The Marshall Liberal Government is hitting South Australians in the hip pocket, with massive tax hikes far above the inflation rate. Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, said Steven Marshall promised lower costs, but has instead “jacked upped” taxes on every South Australian. “In this Budget he’s broken his promise to the people of South Australia,” Mr Piccolo said. “Every time South Australians drive their car, catch public transport, go to hospital or even put out their wheelie bin, Steven Marshall is taxing them more and more of their money.“Yet despite jacking taxes to historic levels, the Liberals are also racking up record debt of more than $21 billion. “Under the Liberals, South Australian taxpayers will be paying more than $1 billion per year in interest repayments, or nearly $3 million a day. “Under Steven Marshall, South Australians are paying more now through higher taxes, and will also pay more later with skyrocketing debt, which the Treasurer Rob Lucas has admitted will not be paid in his lifetime.” Mr Piccolo said that in one year the Liberals have ruined the State’s finances and have tried to plug their debt hole through a stack of increased taxes, charges and fees: • Driving a car is now more expensive, with hikes to motor registration (up 5 per cent) and driver’s licence renewals (up 4.5% per cent). • Catching public transport is more expensive, with hikes to fares (up 2 per cent), the axing of the 2-section card (costing some commuters $849 more per year), and previously free metroCARDs now cost $5 each. • Going to the hospital is now more expensive, with hospital car parking up $725 per year for nurses, cleaners and other staff; while patients, their families and friends will pay 20 per cent more. • Free 2-hour parking at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been axed. • Ambulance fees are up 5 per cent, meaning it now costs more than $1000 to catch an ambulance. • Even putting out the wheelie bin is more expensive, with the Liberals increasing the solid waste levy by 40 per cent, which means higher council rates. • The Liberals are taxing tradies, with licenses up 10 per cent, trailer registrations up 10 per cent and ute registrations up 10 per cent. • The Liberals are taxing jobs, with a 70 per cent hike in mining taxes. • The Liberals are taxing entertainment with hikes worth thousands of dollars on pubs and bars, and a Police Rent Tax on major events. • The Liberals are even taxing a day out with the family, through a 25 per cent hike in entry fees for parks like the Cleland Wildlife Park. “Taxes, fees and charges have been hiked significantly above the inflation rate of 1.3 per cent”, Mr Piccolo said. “The Liberals are imposing higher costs and more debt on ordinary South Australians and their families.”