Victorian budget: ‘Pile of money’ intended to fix roads to be siphoned away from TAC

The state government will siphon $3 billion from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) over the next four years.

Nine News reporter Heidi Murphy says the government flagged it would use TAC money for infrastructure a few years ago, but the sums were far less than what was set out in yesterday’s budget.

“It was meant to be about $400 million over a couple of years, then getting up to about $700 million,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“If there’s that much money that’s lying around surely there’s an argument that could be made for more generous TAC claims or for a reduction on rego.”

The average car registration in Victoria costs $845.90, of which $539 goes to the TAC.

The TAC website says the money is used to fix roads, help reduce the road toll and assist people who are victims on the roads.

“So ultimately the government is taking money from you that’s supposed to fix roads and putting it into its own pocket!,” Neil Mitchell said.

“There’s a pile of money which could be spent on the roads … they are falling apart, they need money spent urgently! Every extra dollar would help.

“Or it could be spent cutting your car rego bill.

“Instead of that it’s going into government coffers to pay off this absurd debt they’ve run up.”

Press PLAY below for details dug out from the budget on money taken from the TAC, Melton hospital +the safe injecting room