THE Victorian Farmers Federation says proposed increases to a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund “could be the nail in the coffin for farm businesses”.
The ESVR will replace the Fire Services Property Levy, and will encompass the State Emergency Service, Triple Zero Victoria, State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria.
VFF president Brett Hosking said farmers could be forced to pay up to 400 per cent on top of the previous levy.
Mr Hosking said the levy flagged by the Victorian Government would place an “enormous and unfair” financial burden on those already struggling farmers who are facing volatile prices, ever-decreasing profit margins and increasing extreme weather events.
“This tax hike is just another cost farm businesses will be forced to pay and it’s time to go back to the drawing board and find a better solution,” he said.
“A one-size-fits-all approach clearly doesn’t work when you’ve got some farmers facing a hike of up to 400 per cent.
“There’s no way a rise of that much can be justified and for some, it could be the nail in the coffin for their farm businesses.”
Mr Hosking said while a levy that funds emergency services was critical, the current broad-based tax is unfit for use and the government must urgently consider an alternative.
“Instead of placing a blanket levy on all property owners, the government should consider a more targeted approach that ensures the funds are distributed where they’re needed most,” he said.
“Rural Victorians are already bearing the brunt of many challenges, from droughts to fires.
“This levy will add insult to injury, making it even harder for farmers to recover and thrive.
“The current approach certainly isn’t a solution that supports the needs of country Victorians and we’re urging the government to reassess its approach and explore more equitable solutions.”
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said with more frequent natural disasters, Victorians asked for more from volunteers than ever.
“We need to act to ensure these hardworking Victorians are supported now and into the future,” she said.
“Every dollar of this new fund will support VICSES, Emergency Management Victoria and other emergency services as well as the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.
“Because our volunteers give our state so much, active CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members will be eligible for an exemption from paying the ESVF on their primary place of residence – such as their home or farm – providing even more incentive for Victorians to consider volunteering in our emergency services.”
