Letter to the editor – Cruel new tax hits your rates notice

Rates notices have now started arriving in mailboxes, and many Victorians in our region are already feeling the impact of the Allan Labor Government’s eye-watering new Emergency Services Tax.

Highlighted, sometimes in bright orange or red as to signify a warning, is an added state government charge for this insidious tax.

Local families, farmers, and businesses are facing these enormous increases at a time when they can least afford it.

There has been plenty of debate, arguments, and protests about this tax, but seeing it in writing and in your mailbox really brings home the financial pain.

If you’re rates notice hasn’t arrived, it is only a matter of time.

Homeowners can expect to pay double the rate they paid under the former fire services levy.

The tax hit on commercial properties will also double and industrial properties will rise by 64 per cent.

Farmers have a one-year reprieve before reality hits – a 150 per cent rise on their bills.

Unfortunately, this so-called reprieve is already having issues, with primary producers in the region already contacting me to say they have still received this charge on their bill.

This tax will not help frontline services. Instead, they’re being cut.

Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price, with this tax just plugging their budget black holes.

Our promise is clear – The Nationals will scrap this tax and ease the cost-of-living burden on all Victorians.

Join the campaign and make your views known at www.scrapthetax.com.au