Call for flexible rego payment system

VACC, the largest employer of automotive apprentices in Victoria, has criticised the dismissal of a proposal to reduce standard car registration fees for apprentices. The Victorian Labor party initially made the promise, but it was quickly dismissed by the Coalition.

VACC supports initiatives that encourage more young people into trades-based careers, but questions why the Labor proposal was limited to apprentice bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians and plumbers. They also question the Coalition's refusal of the proposal, which would clearly ease the financial burden on apprentices.

Victoria is the only Australian state or territory that does not allow flexible payments on vehicle registration and transport accident charges (TAC) and VACC is now calling for the government to introduce instalment payment options for all Victorians.

David Purchase, VACC executive director, says, “Whether the payments are six-monthly, quarterly or monthly, we don’t mind. What we do mind is breadwinners and business owners being expected to have a huge sum of money up their sleeve when it is time to pay rego. We will continue to campaign for this on behalf of the community because it’s such a simple solution to an everyday problem.”