The Liberals and Nationals will scrap Labor’s Emergency Services Property Levy (ESVF) – a tax that rips $765 million a year from Victorian families, farmers and small businesses under the guise of supporting emergency services.
Labelled a “land tax by stealth,” Labor’s new levy has doubled or even tripled charges for property owners across the state, with primary producers hit hardest – facing rate hikes of up to 150 per cent.
Under Labor’s changes, a home valued at $1 million now attracts a $309 annual charge, while small businesses and farmers are paying thousands more without any guarantee that money will go to frontline services.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the tax would hurt every Victorian ratepayer.
“Every single Victorian who pays rates will be hit by this cruel tax,” Ms Cleeland said.
“But it’s our farmers, many of whom are also CFA volunteers, SES members, and first responders, who will be punished most by this 150 per cent increase.
“To hit regional communities with this new tax while they’re already battling drought and cost-of-living pressures is unconscionable.
“It’s a betrayal of the very people who keep our state running and safe.”
Under a Liberals and Nationals Government, the ESVF will be scrapped, and the Fire Services Property Levy will be restored.
“Reinstating the Fire Services Property Levy will reverse the major rate increases our regional communities are facing and ensure the funds raised are going directly to our volunteer brigades that need it most,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Funding for the SES and core government services will be delivered transparently through the State Budget – not buried in your rates.
“I want to thank the incredible emergency services volunteers – those who rallied on the steps of Parliament, those who voiced their discontent last sitting, and those standing strong in their local communities.
“Under our leadership, real change is coming.”