16 April 2026
Benalla left with ageing fleet as VESEP grants open
A future Liberals and Nationals Government would scrap the Emergency Services and Volunteers Tax, as Benalla volunteers are left relying on some of the oldest emergency service vehicles in the state.
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP said the emergency services tax was unfairly hurting families and failing the very volunteers it claims to support.
“If elected in November, The Nationals will scrap this tax that is hitting local families while our volunteer firefighters are still turning out in ageing trucks,” Ms Cleeland said.
“That simply doesn’t stack up.
“In Benalla, some of the oldest trucks in Victoria are still on the frontline, protecting lives and property.
“These are volunteers who turn out day and night for their community, and they deserve safe, modern equipment.”
Ms Cleeland said the situation exposed a clear disconnect between what communities were being asked to pay and what they were getting in return.
“If this tax is meant to strengthen emergency services, then why are our brigades still operating with ageing fleets?” she said.
“People are paying more, but they are not seeing that investment come back into their communities.”
Ms Cleeland’s call comes as applications open today for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), which provides funding for trucks, equipment and station upgrades.
The program offers up to $250,000 per project, with the Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by local brigades.
While encouraging brigades to apply, Ms Cleeland said the reliance on grants and community fundraising highlighted a deeper problem.
“VESEP is important, and I absolutely encourage our brigades to apply,” she said.
“But it should not be the only pathway to get essential equipment.
“Our volunteers should not have to fundraise or compete for grants just to get the basics, especially when a new tax is being collected in their name.”
Ms Cleeland said it was time for the Allan Labor Government to deliver direct investment into frontline services and scrap the Emergency Services Tax.
“Our volunteers do an extraordinary job, the very least they deserve is safe, modern equipment to do it,” she said.
“The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money and regional communities are paying the price.”
VESEP grant information can be found on the following link https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/how-we-help/grants-and-awards/volunteer-emergency-services-equipment-program-vesep