The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s decision to increase the fire services levy with its re-branded Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. The proposed changes to the fire services levy are set to double the amount that Victorian property owners pay each year.
Ms O’Keeffe said regional Victorians have been hit by yet another Allan Labir Government tax grab, with homeowners, businesses and farmers financially impacted.
“This latest tax grab by Labor will fund 95 per cent of all emergency service operations, and it is everyday Victorians who will pay the price, with the levy rising almost 100 per cent.
“As a result of this expanded tax, it is forcing Victorians to pay for what should be core government services.
“Using a levy to pay for more services means there will be less transparency on where and how money is spent. The lack of transparency surrounding this funding is acceptable and Victorians deserve to know where their money is going,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The Nationals have been consistently advocating for emergency service volunteers and calling for volunteers to be exempted from the fire services levy, and that will happen. But the CFA who are critical to regional Victoria emergency response, must be resourced appropriately.
Despite the Allan Labor Government increasing the fire services levy by an estimated $186 million this year, the Minister for Emergency Services recently revealed that only nine per cent of the increased revenue was set to flow through to struggling volunteer CFA brigades.
“Labor is simply rebranding to fund their financial incompetence, and unfortunately this exemption is attached to yet another tax on Victorians.
“The government’s financial incompetence has forced Victorians to endure 57 new or increased taxes, this increased levy is enforcing yet another financial burden on Victorian families and small businesses.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage emergency services and regional Victorians are paying the price.”