We provide recommendations on new taxation policy and lead major taxation reform initiatives. We consult with industry peak bodies, taxpayers and taxpayer representatives to develop practical solutions for complex policy problems.
We liaise with inter-jurisdictional colleagues in the areas of harmonisation and collaboration. We also manage our statutory responsibilities regarding freedom of information, privacy, Charter of Human Rights and Ombudsman requests and referrals.
A large part of our responsibility to our customers, and all Victorians, is working closely with stakeholders – including the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel – to help develop the legislation we administer and make sure legislative amendments are implemented successfully.
Crafting legislation involves Cabinet, the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Department of Treasury and Finance and State Revenue Office policy experts. Once an Act has been passed by the Parliament, we ensure we are ready to administer it as efficiently as possible for our customers. We focus on making it as easy as possible for our customers to comply.
In 2024–25, notable legislative work included:
- the Short Stay Levy Act 2024, which introduces a levy on short stays in Victorian properties where a fee is charged from 1 January 2025
- the Duties Amendment (More Homes) Act 2024, which introduces a temporary off-the-plan duty concession for newly constructed dwellings in strata subdivisions
- the State Taxation Further Amendment Act 2024, which includes changes to vacant residential land tax, payroll tax, commercial and industrial property tax, land transfer duty, foreign purchaser additional duty and the absentee owner surcharge
- the Fire Services Property Amendment (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund) Act 2025, which replaces the fire services property levy with the emergency services and volunteers fund from 1 July 2025
- the State Taxation Acts Amendment Act 2025, which implements the 2025–26 Victorian Budget measure to extend the temporary off-the-plan duty concession and makes various amendments to Victoria’s taxation laws.
More information about these amendments is available on our website.