Media Release

The Brumby Government has backed down on its Duties Amendment Bill after intense pressure from pensioners, along with Kilsyth MP David Hodgett and Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

The Bill, which was set to impose fees on those wishing to enter retirement accommodation, will now see amendments which will prevent stamp duty on nursing homes and retirement villages. This dispels fears that the Bill would make such accommodation options unaffordable for many.

Kilsyth MP David Hodgett welcomed the move, saying the Bill had been a debacle from day one.

“Essentially, what started as a quest to fill a tax loop hole which property developers were exploiting, had turned into a mad scramble by the Brumby Government to grab as much money as possible from Victorians in a desperate attempt to avoid a budget deficit.

“To slug pensioners and retirees with extra stamp duty fees, was a callous and heartless act by John Brumby, and after the uproar that it caused amongst the community, it naturally left the Labor Government no choice but to back down and make amendments to the Bill.

“In this time of economic downturn, this is a win for pensioners and retirees, and a win for Victorians who will not be bullied by a disorganised and panicking Brumby Government.”

The amended Bill has passed in the House of Representatives and will face the Legislative Council next sitting week.