Rural communities urge amendments to unfair Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy

MEDIA RELEASE

Victorian communities are urging Victorian MPs to make key amendments to the proposed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy when it’s debated in State Parliament today.

The ESVF levy, as currently designed, places an undue burden on rural communities, ripping an additional $140 million from country towns and rural areas annually (see our analysis here). 

The levy must be revised to ensure fairness and equity.

Rural Councils Victoria has written to the Victorian Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, as well as Opposition, Greens and crossbench MPs, proposing three common sense amendments to the Bill:

1. RECALCULATE the levy formula so country communities aren’t disproportionately footing the bill for emergency services across the state.  
2. GUARANTEE that funds taken from rural communities are returned to those same local areas through direct emergency services funding.
3. DESIGNATE the State Revenue Office as the responsible authority to collect the levy (not councils).

“Ideally, the government would abandon this flawed levy and go back to the drawing board,” Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Rob Amos said.

“But if the government insists on pushing ahead with the levy, we are proposing three common sense amendments to make it fairer.”

“We urge the Victorian Government to listen to the concerns of rural communities and make the necessary changes.”

Crossbench, Opposition and minor party MPs in the Victorian Upper House are all empowered to proposed amendments to Bills before the chamber.

Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Rob Amos is available for interview.

Contact: Ryan Sheales. 0402 351 412. Email.