603 signatures call for rate and emergency services levy relief for bushfire victims

09 September 2026

603 signatures call for rate and emergency services levy relief for bushfire victims

A petition calling for three years of relief from council rates and theEmergency Services Tax for bushfire-affected properties has been tabled in theVictorian Parliament with 603 signatures.

The petition, sponsored byNationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP, calls for three years ofcouncil rate relief and three years of relief from the Emergency Services Taxfor properties destroyed or severely damaged in the January 2026 bushfires.

Ms Cleeland said 603 signaturesrepresented a significant show of support given the petition was focusedspecifically on people affected by the fires and the relatively small number ofcommunities impacted.

“603 people have taken the time toput their name to this petition because they believe families who have lost somuch deserve some financial breathing room while they rebuild,” Ms Cleelandsaid.

“Nine months on, these communitiesare still recovering.

“For many families, the rebuilding process is nowhere near finished. They are still dealing with damaged or destroyed homes, sheds, fencing, livestock infrastructure and everything else that comes with trying to put your life back together.

“The last thing people should haveto worry about is continuing to pay rates and the Emergency Services andVolunteers Fund levy on properties that have been devastated by fire.

“This is about providing somepractical financial relief while people get back on their feet.”

Ms Cleeland said the petitionshould serve as a reminder to the Labor Government that recovery does notsimply end when the immediate emergency was over.

“The fires may have been ninemonths ago, but for the families who lived through them, the recovery ishappening every single day,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Rebuilding takes time, andgovernment support needs to recognise that.

“I thank everyone who signed thispetition and helped make sure the voices of bushfire-affected families continueto be heard in Parliament.

“I will keep pushing for practicalmeasures that make a real difference to people as they rebuild their homes,their properties and their lives.”