The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the decision to stall the deeply flawed proposed Fire Services Levy Bill and says the reprieve must be used to iron out the fundamental issues facing farmers and regional communities.
VFF president Brett Hosking said while farmers would be breathing a temporary sigh of relief, legitimate concerns still linger regarding the proposed cash-grab.
“This is a step in the right direction. The government tried to push through a flawed tax without consultation and they have clearly failed to secure the numbers. I thank those MP’s who have demonstrated strong leadership slowing the passage of this new tax without proper community and stakeholder consultation,” he said.
“The VFF’s focus will remain on highlighting the very real destruction that this Bill will cause and making sure the government doesn’t steamroll through with a reckless decision.
“We have families struggling with skyrocketing costs, and farmers battling drought, bushfires, and rising expenses. A cost of living crisis is not the time to introduce an unnecessary new tax. The stalling of the Bill gives us hope and more time, but we must see sweeping changes to the proposal.”
Mr Hosking said there would be no letting up on the opposition towards the Bill, despite the stall.
“This blatantly wrong tax is wrong today and it will be wrong in the coming days and weeks. The opposition towards it has been overwhelming and we must keep up the pressure to ensure farmers and regional Victorians aren’t hung out to dry.
“Our message to the government couldn’t be clearer. Talk to us, consult with us and work collaboratively to get ideas that actually work and don’t risk taking a sledgehammer to the livelihoods of hard-working Victorian famers,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking thanked those passionate
VFF members who took the time to write directly to their local MP to voice their opposition as well as those rural focussed organisations who joined with VFF to support our voice.
“We are encouraging you to keep fighting. Keep up the pressure by having your saying using the information provided on our website.”
