Mayors from all over the state gathered in Melbourne today, saying the the tax will push many ratepayers to the brink.
They’ve been tasked with collecting the Allan’s government’s new multi-billion-dollar emergency services tax.
“People are struggling to afford basic necessities, having to choose between sending their children to school without a meal or covering their household bills,” stated Deputy Mayor Sharon Gibson.
In Melbourne’s City of Yarra the figure is $200,000
“We’re essentially the debt collectors for Spring Street,” Mayor Stephen Jolly, said.
City councils, such as the City of Yarra, began sending out new rates notices two days ago. The mayor anticipates significant public frustration but acknowledges his limited ability to intervene at the moment.
“We wanna stop this in any way we can. We can’t do it on our own, we have to do it collectively,” he said.
If residents do not pay up councils are looking at their legal options to avoid having their own cash taken from them.
“Councils are mandated by the state government to enforce collections, but we are exploring ways to avoid doing so and understanding our legal responsibilities,” Sullivan explained.
No Allan government ministers were available to respond to the councils’ legal move.
