New South Wales drivers eligible to claim a green slip refund have been slugged with an administrative free that’s been slammed as a ‘secret tax’.
Drivers have been eligible to claim between $10 and $125 under the shake-up, which followed a reduction in the cost of green slips in December.
The State Government said $300 million in refunds would be electronically returned to motorists who have filled out the online form.
However, drivers that are eligible for a refund are charged a non-refundable fee administrative fee to have their claim processed.
New South Wales drivers eligible to claim a green slip refund have been slammed with a ‘secret tax’
Drivers have been eligible to claim between $10 and $125 under the shake-up, which followed a reduction in the cost of green slips in December
Prices have been reduced for most classes of vehicles under the previous scheme
The Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello confirmed the charge of $7.87 to process a green slip refund, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He defended the fee, claiming it will be used for other government agencies and would also be used to reduce next year’s medical levy.
Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Yasmin Catley, said the charge was ‘a slap in the face to NSW motorists’ who are claiming refunds for the already expensive green slip prices.
Catley claims the fee will bring in more than $40 million for the Berejiklian government.
‘The government is offering a second rate insurance scheme and it’s a slap in the face to NSW vehicle owners,’ she said.
The Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello confirmed the charge of $7.87 to process a green slip refund
Motorists will need to create an account on MyServiceNSW and lodge their claim during night time hours Monday to Saturday, or any time on Sunday
Refunds can then only be applied for at night, after 7pm and before 7am, from Monday to Saturday, and at any time on Sunday.
Drivers have been asked to exercise patience will submitting their claim, as the high volume of users had caused technical delays on the website.
Refunds could take up to ten days to be processed before arriving in the nominated bank account, with unclaimed refunds to go towards a new motor accidents scheme.
Applications will only be accepted up until September 1, with funds not handed out to go towards helping people injured in car accidents.