WIMMERA households will have a reprieve on fee and fine increases in July, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause pain to employees.
The state government has announced a freeze on all fees and fines increases, which were due in July.
As part of this, car registration fees for people in the Wimmera will remain at $716.
The cost of traffic infringements, permit fees and court-imposed penalties will also stay the same.
The Fire Services Property Levy will be frozen at this year's collection level.
"The last thing Victorian businesses and families need right now is higher fees and fines," state treasurer Tim Pallas said.
The announcement comes as Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals the pandemic has resulted in a slew of jobs losses across the state.
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From mid-March until mid-April 8.6 per cent of Victorian jobs were lost, the highest of any state or territory.
Now, Mr Pallas has unveiled a $491 million tax relief package for Victorian businesses. It is in addition to the state's $1.7 billion economic support for businesses.
Businesses participating in the federal government's JobKeeper program will be exempt from payroll tax and the WorkCover premiums on payments to employees if their staff are currently stood down.
Mr Pallas said 80,000 Victorian businesses were participating in the program.
"Any person who has an entitlement to a WorkCover protection claim will be covered by the state," he said.
The announcement means the $1500 fortnightly JobKeeper payment to staff who are currently stood down will be free from state government taxes and charges.
"These changes will help businesses, save jobs and reduce the burden on households hit hard by coronavirus," Mr Pallas said.
Opposition leader Michael O'Brien said the state needed a jobs-led, business-led recovery.
"The numbers from the ABS are the first indication of how hard COVID-19 is hitting Victoria's economy and jobs," he said.
"We have had the worst outcome of any state or territory in the country and we don't need a high tax, high borrowing recovery."
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