Victorian Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, has refused to explain why hundreds of property owners in Silverleaves, Phillip Island, were sent unlawful land tax assessments.
In 2025, the High Court ruled land with strict planning controls such as Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) zones, must be valued to reflect its limited development potential.
Despite this ruling, Victoria’s State Revenue Office (SRO) ignored LSIO restrictions, and unlawfully issued around 500 land tax notices using inflated valuations.
“Asked to explain why this happened, the Treasurer completely dodged the question,” The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said.
“The Treasurer should have identified this significant error before sending out these unlawful valuations.
“Many unsuspecting Victorians are not even aware they’re paying inflated land tax based on invalid assessments, or to object.”
Ms Bath cited one homeowner’s valuation which dropped from $775,000 to $175,000 after objecting, reducing their tax bill by more than $2,000.
“Labor must direct the SRO and Valuer General to correct all wrongful valuations and refund overcharged households from its price gouging.
“Residents should not be forced to fight the Allan Government to receive a bill reduction or refund they are rightfully owed.
“This land tax fiasco exposes another layer of Labor’s financial mismanagement, leaving everyday homeowners in Silverleaves to pay the price.”