MEMBER for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, have met with both CFA and SES volunteers across the region to discuss the impact of the proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF).
A meeting was held in Seymour last Wednesday with several volunteers attending to have their say on the Government’s new tax, as well as other challenges their brigades and units are facing.
Ms Cleeland said there was a consensus feeling of frustration among volunteers within both the SES and CFA about the new tax.
“Volunteers within our emergency services are understandably concerned and uncertain about the benefits this tax will bring,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our brigades and units are still holding raffles for basic gear, while Labor is planning to funnel the money raised from this tax to Melbourne-based bureaucracies that already receive significant taxpayer funding.
“Instead of taxing our regional communities, this government should ensure our frontline volunteers are receiving the facilities, equipment, and support they need to keep our towns safe.”
Under the ESVF, households will see their rates almost double, commercial rates will increase by 100 per cent, industrial rates by 64 per cent, and farmers will face a staggering 189 per cent increase compared to what they paid under the previous levy.
Mr O’Brien said he was committed to standing up for regional communities and pushing back against the tax.
“This really is an insidious tax, and we are up for the fight on this,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This tax is directly hurting our regional communities, our farmers, and our small businesses – many of whom are volunteers themselves.
“This is coming at a time where our farmers and regional towns can least afford it and will only compound the challenges we are facing with weather and rising costs.
“Labor can’t manage money and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
