Explaining the Victorian budget and its impacts

The 2023-2024 Victorian budget is the heart of Victoria's economic comeback strategy. In this article, we'll take a clear and simple look at its main features and potential impacts on your economic future.

Debt recovery: Focus on big businesses

Primarily, the Victorian government has set its sights on large-scale businesses and property owners to manage the debt incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with a national payroll exceeding $10 million will be subject to an increased payroll tax, with an added 1% levy imposed on those surpassing $100 million. This strategy is projected to affect around 5% of the businesses operating in Victoria.

A shift in land tax: Ramifications for the property sector

A noteworthy transformation in the land tax framework is on the horizon. For example:

• The land tax threshold was reduced from $300,000 to a strikingly low $50,000.
• The introduction of varied tax rates predicated on the value of the property.
• It is estimated that these modifications will touch nearly 860,000 landowners.

Public sentiment and economic health: A balance of views

The new measures have elicited a spectrum of reactions:

• Some view them as a judicious stride towards financial recuperation.
• Detractors suggest they could place undue pressure on Victoria's economy, potentially leading to harm.
• Despite a projected $2.9 billion cash surplus for the current year, the likelihood of ascending net debt raises concerns about the state's fiscal stability.

Bolstering small businesses: Investor considerations

The budget endeavors to create equilibrium between its vigorous debt recovery actions and the provision of support for smaller businesses:

• By raising the payroll tax threshold.
• Through the removal of stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties.

However, foreign property investors must be aware of a crucial caveat: the absentee owner surcharge rate is set to double by 4%.

Charting the course forward

The 2023 budget casts a significant impact, compelling businesses, property owners and investors to acclimate to new fiscal norms. The budget illustrates the delicate equilibrium between debt recovery and economic expansion in a post-pandemic world.

To stay ahead of the curve and prudently steer through these changes:

• Acquaint yourself with the budget's specifics and assess their potential implications on your financial roadmap.
• Stay tuned for ongoing insights and in-depth analysis.

This budget provides an instructive insight into the economic landscape of the post-pandemic era. Remember, today's vigilance could well equate to tomorrow's wealth.