Farmers across East Gippsland have welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to freeze the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy for another two years, with the property value threshold for volunteer exemptions increased from $5 million to $10 million.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Brett Hosking said the announcement comes as a huge relief for farmers, particularly those struggling under the pressures of drought and rising operating costs.
“Farmers will be breathing a huge sigh of relief,” Mr Hosking said.
“This tax was set to rip hundreds of millions out of the pockets of cash-strapped farmers in the middle of a record-breaking drought. Freezing the levy and increasing the exemption threshold acknowledges the massive pressure farmers have been under.”
The levy, which funds emergency services, had sparked widespread concern among farmers, with many in rural and regional areas, including East Gippsland, expressing frustration at what they saw as an unfair financial burden.
“I would like to thank Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for listening to farmers across Victoria,” Mr Hosking said. “Victorian farmers told us the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy was their number one issue, and we’ve been moving heaven and earth to reach today’s decision.”
While the freeze provides temporary relief, the VFF is urging the government to pursue long-term reform of how emergency services are funded.
“It’s a step in the right direction, but we need real reform so we aren’t staring down the barrel of the same tax in two years’ time,” Mr Hosking said.
“A pause is great, but we need a permanent, fair and equitable funding model that reflects modern realities and doesn’t continue to load disproportionate costs onto farmers and landholders. It must be a sustainable system that moves emergency services funding back into consolidated revenue.”
Mr Hosking said the VFF will now work closely with the government to develop a long-term solution that supports farmers, volunteers, and emergency service capability while treating all Victorians fairly.
“Before next year’s election, we need a firm commitment on the process to work in partnership with farmers to deliver a funding model that strengthens emergency services and supports rural communities,” he said.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, says the freeze on the levy is “a desperate Labor Government trying to hoodwink Victorians and farmers”.
“Victorians should be under no illusion that Labor still plans to whack them with a $3 billion new tax over coming years,” he said.
“Indeed, most Victorians are already paying it. Farmers will still face a 150 per cent increase in their levy and rental providers and renters will be slugged a new fixed charge if a Labor Government is returned in 2026.”
