Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has called on Premier Ben Carroll to provide a firm commitment that the State Revenue Office will continue to accept credit card payments for state taxes, including payroll and land tax. The demand comes amid ongoing concerns over payment options for taxpayers following a federal dispute over credit card fees.
Wilson directed her request to Carroll in a letter sent Wednesday, urging him to guarantee that no restrictions will be imposed on credit card payments for state tax liabilities. The Victorian Liberal leader emphasized that many businesses rely on credit cards to manage cash flow and warned that removing this option would further strain companies already facing rising taxes and fees under the current Labor government.
The timing of the letter coincides with Wilson’s first joint campaign appearance alongside federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor. The pair are scheduled to appear together in Melbourne on Thursday, aiming to leverage public discontent surrounding the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) proposal to discontinue direct credit card payments for federal taxes.
Earlier this month, the Victorian State Revenue Office confirmed that it would continue to accept credit card payments. However, Wilson’s call for a personal guarantee from Carroll seeks to elevate pressure on the state government to avoid following the federal government’s contested approach.
The federal government had initially planned to halt direct credit card payments in December, coinciding with the removal of surcharges on October 1, a policy designed to eliminate processing fees paid by taxpayers. After pushback from small businesses, the Albanese government announced a transition period funded until June 30, 2027, allowing direct payments to continue temporarily. Post-transition, taxpayers will be able to use credit cards only through third-party providers or other payment methods.
In response to Wilson’s letter, Victorian Treasurer Colin Brooks termed her claims “fake news,” asserting there are no plans to change credit card payment policies in Victoria. He criticized Wilson for focusing on this issue rather than explaining how her party would finance proposed budget cuts totaling $40 billion.
Wilson argued that removing direct credit card payment options at the state level would exacerbate cash flow pressures on businesses navigating increasing tax and cost burdens. She underscored that the State Revenue Office currently accepts credit card payments for various levies and urged the government to provide certainty to small businesses that payment methods will remain unchanged.
The dispute highlights broader tensions over payment processing costs and the financial impact on taxpayers and government agencies. As the transition period nears, the issue remains politically sensitive, with opposition leaders seeking to capitalize on business concerns while the government maintains its stance on managing revenue and payment methods.