| Wreford welcomes programs commencing July 1 |
| Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:48 |
|
Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford has welcomed the commencement of a number of the Baillieu Government’s key election commitments with the start of the new financial year. As of 1st July, the Coalition Government has implemented several new programs such as cuts to stamp duty, halving of ambulance membership fees, free children’s entry to the zoos on weekends & holidays, water rebates & concessions, heater replacement concessions and tougher anti-hoon laws. Ms Wreford said “The new financial year means the Coalition Government’s first budget is activated, and many important policy commitments to assist and benefit Victorians come into effect. Stamp duty is cut for first home buyers by 20% on homes up to $600,000. There are additional stamp duty concessions for pensioners and concession cardholders (including for the first time, self-funded retirees who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card). Ambulance annual membership fees are cut in half from $150 to $75 for families and $75 to $37.50 a year for singles. Entry to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo becomes free on weekends, Victorian public and school holidays for children under 16 years. Water-efficient appliances now qualify for rebates, including whitegoods such as front-loading washing machines. The rebate for domestic rainwater tanks that supply water to toilet and laundry is up to $1000. Discount water concessions increase to an annual maximum of $270. This is a 10.3 per cent increase on last year. Concession-card holders now qualify for a $700 rebate to replace electric heaters with cost-effective, energy-efficient gas heaters. Tougher laws mean hoons face car impoundments of 30 days for a first offence, amongst a range of anti-hoon measures. Ms Wreford said “These were important election commitments designed to assist and benefit Victorians’ quality of life. |
