Gippsland landowners are in for a shock when rates notices hit mailboxes later this year as the Allan Labor Government pushes ahead with its new emergency services tax despite heavy opposition.
The new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) will replace the previous Fire Service Property Levy from 1 July 2025 and bring with it a minimum 100 per cent increase for residents and business owners.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien said revelations that emergency services agencies budgets are being cut shows this tax is nothing more than a cash grab from a government that cannot manage money.
“This tax will hurt local families and kill local businesses.
“Make no mistake, the emergency services tax is about plugging Labor’s budget black hole – not helping the CFA or SES. Data revealed in budget hearings this week shows the 2025/26 budgets of FRV, CFA and VicSES are being reduced by a collective $165 million from two years ago.
“This will hit every Victorian during a cost-of-living crisis and yet the budget papers show a cut in funding for our emergency services.”
Mr O’Brien said the variable rate for residential and commercial properties will double next financial year, while farmers still face a 150 per cent increase the following year.
“I am encouraging anyone who has the common sense to oppose this tax to visit www.scrapthetax.com.au and help send a clear message that we will not accept this latest cash grab.”
Mr O’Brien said on the back of heavily-attended protests across the regions and on the steps of Parliament, the Allan Labor Government has offered a reprieve to primary producers that will see this tax increase deferred for 12 months.
“Our farmers have been granted a one-year stay of execution but they shouldn’t be facing this massive tax slug in the first place. The only way to fix this issue is to scrap the tax altogether and The Nationals and Liberals will do so if elected next year.
“Every single household and business in the state is still up for a massive doubling of their emergency services tax from July 1.
“Labor can’t manage money and Gippslanders continue to pay the price.