Regional Victorians have been hit by another Allan Labor Government tax grab, with homeowners, businesses and farmers under the gun in a re-branded fire levy.
The Emergency Services and Volunteers fund, Labor’s latest cash grab, will fund up to 95 per cent of all emergency services operations.
And it is everyday regional Victorians who will pay the price, with the levy rising almost 100 per cent.
Victorian homeowners can now expect to pay 17.3 cents for every $1000 in Capital Improved Value – up from 8.7 cents.
Commercial, industrial and primary production landowners face increases of 100 per cent, 64 per cent, and 189 per cent more respectively.
This is an expanded tax, forcing Victorians to pay for what should be core government services.
Throughout Victoria, homeowners, businesses, and farmers will now shoulder an additional $2.1 billion in taxes under Labor’s latest grab.
Using a levy to pay for more services means there will be less transparency on where and how money is spent.
The Nationals have been calling for volunteers to be exempted from the fire services levy and that will happen.
But the CFA, who are critical to regional Victoria’s emergency response must be resourced appropriately.
The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said Labor’s financial mismanagement has forced Victorians to endure 57 new or increased taxes.
“This levy is yet another burden on Victorian families and small businesses,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Nationals have called for volunteers to be exempted from the fire services levy, but the CFA, who are critical to regional Victoria’s emergency response must be resourced appropriately.
“Victorians deserve better than higher taxes to prop up Labor’s failures.
“Regional Victorians are again paying the price because Labor can’t manage money.”