Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), Media Release, 15 May 2025

Despite strong opposition from the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and farmers from all corners of Victoria, the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund has today passed a vote in Parliament.

The VFF is deeply disappointed by this outcome and remains gravely concerned about the impact this levy will have on farmers, who are already under significant pressure from drought conditions and broader economic challenges.

While the government has announced a 16 per cent reduction in the levy for farmers and a temporary pause for those in drought-declared areas, these concessions do little to ease the broader burden that will be felt across regional and rural Victoria.

“The sheer reality is that this levy will create a crippling financial burden to farmers,” said VFF President Brett Hosking. “This decision shows a clear disconnect between our state government and the day-to-day realities faced by those on the land.”

“It almost feels like the worse this drought gets, the harder the government pushes to take more from farmers,” he added.

The VFF will continue to advocate for a fairer, more sustainable approach to funding emergency services, one that doesn’t disproportionately penalise the very communities that rely on them most.