Peter Walsh – Labor slugs council for immunisation
Wednesday 7 August 2024
A regional council has revealed it is being asked to pay what amounts to an “immunisation tax” by the Allan Labor Government.
In an alarming example of cost-shifting, Corangamite Shire Council said it was now being charged a $6000 fixed cost, and then $2 to record each immunisation administered.
Corangamite Shire CEO David Rae outlined the new tax in a parliamentary hearing today.
“That’s a new cost we’ve not had to pay previously. We’ve only been advised of that in the last, effectively, 10 business days,” Mr Rae said.
Mr Rae said it would make it more difficult to provide other services for the community, given the new charge would cost the council about $10,000 annually.
“It just means that $10,000 doesn’t get spent on something else,” Mr Rae said.
The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee today questioned several councils in the Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services.
Asked if his council was being hit by an over-arching state government charge and an individual service charge, Mr Rae said: “That’s correct”.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Walsh, said he was stunned by the latest tax grab.
“It is a form of cost recovery that is totally unnecessary. Councils are delivering a service to protect community health, now they are being taxed by the Allan Labor Government for doing it,” Mr Walsh said.
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said the new tax was further evidence Labor can’t manage our health system.
“Instead of cutting corners and cost-shifting on to councils, the Allan Labor Government should be working with local governments to ensure immunisations are accessible as possible,” Ms Crozier said.