Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund unfair impost on ratepayers
Published on 16 May 2025
Mildura Rural City Council added its voice to widespread condemnation of the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy at this week’s Municipal Association of Victoria State Conference.
It follows the passing of the Victorian Government’s ESVF legislation through the Upper house during the week.
Mildura Mayor Helen Healy and CEO Martin Hawson joined representatives from Victorian Local Government areas at the conference, where 44 motions were listed for consideration.
“There were numerous resolutions put up with recommendations across a whole range of issues, but the number one on the list was expressing our disgust and strong opposition to the new fund,” Cr Healy said.
The Fund replaces the Fire Services Levy and is an annual charge imposed by the Victorian government on all Victorian properties.
Victorian Councils are bound to collect this levy on behalf of the government, which is reflected in the rates notices property-owners receive.
“This new fund will rip $12.4 million out of our community each year, a staggering increase of more than $4 million over the previous Fire Services Levy,” Cr Healy said.
The Mayor said that while she had no issue with properly funding the State Emergency Service, Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria, these services should be paid from taxes, not from a further impost on ratepayers.
“Despite strong opposition from farmers and emergency service volunteers, everyone will pay for this new levy, aka tax - from residents doing it tough amidst the cost-of-living crisis to businesses facing challenging times.”
Councillor for Agriculture and Agribusiness Ian Arney was equally scathing in his response.
“This is yet another example of government cost-shifting again, taking it to a whole new level by trying to pull even more money out of communities like ours to fund services including those provided by volunteers. It’s a disgrace,” Cr Arney said.
“This is a $4 million of additional tax revenue that the Government requires Mildura Rural City Council to collect on behalf of the State Revenue Office.
“It’s a massive $2.1 billion tax grab that seems like it’s to help cover the Victorian Government’s $6 billion hole in their budget, but they’re actually taxing a lot of the people who are volunteers of those services – that’s a hell of a slap in the face for these people.
“And what people may not understand is if they choose not to pay the levy, it’s problematic because the State Revenue Office will then expect local Councils to become debt collectors. It’s just another job Local Councils have to do on behalf of the government, and as a result it’s Councils that will cop the flack.
“There are many Victorian farmers who experienced a loss this financial year due to dry seasonal conditions, and we’re currently looking down the barrel of another drought this coming financial year.
“The actions of the Victorian government in imposing this new levy demonstrates the decision-makers have no comprehension of the agriculture sector and its ability to pay expenses such as this levy, and it will be farmers and businesses who will be hit hardest.”
Mayor Healy said Council would continue to fight against the new levy.
“Set to be implemented on July 1, we will do everything in our power to protest against this tax via our membership of the Municipal Association of Victoria and Australian and Victorian Local Government Associations along with advocacy groups Regional Cities Victoria and Murray River Group of Councils,” she said.