RURAL Councils Victoria (RCV) is taking the step of introducing rates notice template for councils to show ratepayers how Victorians are being charged, particularly in the wake of the new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy.
The template has been developed with guidance from individual member councils, with a red box used to show what charges has been imposed by the Victorian Government.
This is shown twice on the front page of the rates notice template.
It also shows how the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund works on the back page of the rates notice template, with individual councils responsible for the final design of the rate notices.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair Rob Amos said they would continue pushing to get rid of the levy.
“This is a rotten tax that should be scrapped. Rural Councils Victoria will keep pushing for the ESVF’s repeal,” he said.
“In the meantime, we want everybody to know just how much the Victorian Government is slugging them. It’s disappointing the Victorian Government is forcing councils to collect this unjust tax on its behalf.”
Macedon Ranges Mayor, Cr Dom Bonanno, said as a member council of RCV Council has supported RCV’s advocacy in opposing the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy in its current form.
“We continue to lend our voice to collective statewide advocacy from councils for a rethink on the Levy, on behalf of – and in support of – our community,” Cr Bonanno said.
“While we’re yet to decide on a final design of the rates notice, we are committed to clearly explaining to ratepayers what the Levy is, the collection role Council has been forced into, and the support available for those experiencing financial hardship,” he added.
“We also want to emphasise that while Council is simply a collection agency for state-based levies and do not financially benefit from them, we are negatively impacted – through the additional administration required of us and reduced cash flow – if people refuse to pay the tax.”
