The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Emergency Services Levy, labelling it as “mutton dressed as lamb.”
Ms Broad told Parliament that the Government is misleading the public by presenting the levy as a means to support emergency service volunteers, when in reality, it is another new tax.
The Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) is set to significantly increase costs for households and businesses. Households will see their rates almost double, commercial rates will increase by 100%, industrial rates by 64%, and primary producers will face a staggering 189% increase.
Ms Broad criticised the Allan Labor Government for its inability to provide clear answers regarding the levy calculations and the higher percentage increase for primary producers. She also pointed out the administrative challenges and costs associated with implementing the new tax.
“The proposed exemptions are a dog’s breakfast and will be a nightmare to administer,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad called on the Government to scrap the bill, stating that the levy is unfair and disproportionately affects rural and regional communities.
“Rural communities will bear the brunt of this new levy, paying 50 per cent more than the statewide average,” Ms Broad said.
“Every dollar sent to Spring Street is one less dollar in our rural towns, supporting local businesses and families,” she said.
“The fact is that it’s a tax grab that will raise another $2.1 billion over the next three years to fund services like the State Control Centre, Emergency Recovery Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria.”
“There are five weeks until State Parliament returns, and during this time I hope the Allan Labor Government listens to community concerns and scraps this unfair tax.”
You can view Ms Broad’s contribution to Parliament here – Hansard search – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
