Victorian car owners will soon be able to apply for a 20 per cent discount on the registration fees of up to two cars, as part of an incentive scheme designed to lower the cost of living ahead of the state election on November 28.
The southern state already has Australia’s second-highest registration costs behind New South Wales, with its location-based fee structure often exceeding $900 per car in metropolitan areas.
But Victorian motorists will be able to apply for a 20 per cent rebate from June 1, reducing the price of each registration by up to $186 for the 2025-2026 financial year.
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The one-off registration bonus was announced by the Allan Labor government over the weekend and will be available to the owners of all light vehicles registered for personal use.
Individuals can claim rebates for up to two vehicles registered in their name, which would boost the cashback amount to $372 if they paid the maximum $930.70 annual registration fee.
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said the scheme was a direct response to the surge in petrol and diesel prices due to conflict in the Middle East.
“I’m determined to use government to help Victorians who are under pressure,” said premier Allan in a press release.
“Like cheaper PT [public transport], this won’t fix everything, but it’s immediate action I can take to make a difference.
“We can afford it because it’s one-off cost-of-living help right now, while we are delivering a surplus.”
It’s understood the rego rebate will be applicable to up to four million vehicles – including cars, SUVs and utes, but not fleet vehicles or heavy commercial trucks weighing over 4.5 tonnes – and will cost the Victorian Government around $750 million in lost revenue.
That’s in addition to the $432m lost from reducing public transport fees. Public transport is free in Victoria until May 31, and half-price from June 1 until the end of this year.
Eligible motorists will need to apply for the 20 per cent rego rebate through the Service Victoria website, where they can fill out an online form and receive cash back in their bank accounts within 90 days.
Applications will be open between June 1 and July 31.