The proposed State Government levy at the centre of a recent community meeting in Baringhup has been passed by the Victorian Parliament. The bill relating to the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund was debated late into the night on Thursday 15 May and reportedly got the stamp of approval in the Upper House at around 2am.

Farmer and property owners, including many in the local area who were present at the Baringhup community meeting on Wednesday March 26, have argued against the changes and increases to what was the Fire Services Levy, as has Mount Alexander Shire Council (see also the TT [Tarrangower Times] editions of Friday 28 March and Friday 4 April). The Government says that the increased funding raised by the higher levy will allow a $110 million investment to deliver a rolling fleet replacement program, which includes new tankers and rescue trucks, for VICSES and the CFA as well as Fire Rescue Victoria.

The Victorian Farmers Federation said it was disappointed in the outcome and it remains concerned about the impact the levy will have on farmers. “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.” Liberal Party Upper House Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell MP described the new levy as an “excessive new tax” that comes at a time when farmers are already struggling. “Large parts of rural Victoria are currently experiencing horrendous drought conditions, and farmers are under incredible financial stress,” she said.

Premier and MP respond to local concerns

During her visit to Castlemaine Station, Premier Jacinta Allan responded to a TT query about the timing of the new levy. “We know as a state and as a nation that we are experiencing more frequent and more severe weather events,” she said, saying the levy would support people in rural and regional areas where these events often occur. The Government says the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will provide emergency services and volunteers with equipment to respond to increasing natural disasters.

There has also been some clarity provided to concerns raised at the community meeting, such as eligibility for volunteer rebates under the new levy. The Government describes eligible volunteers as all active VICSES and CFA Operational and Support Volunteers who have served for at least 12 months, have passed probation and not been suspended on disciplinary grounds or taken a leave of absence for the duration of the preceding 12 months. The cost to property owners, which is calculated using Capital Improved Value, has been reduced from the originally proposed amount and the Government says it commits to transparency and ensuring that all the money raised by the levy goes to funding emergency services.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said that the issues discussed at the community meeting in Baringhup were relayed back to Spring Street “I think all of the concerns raised at the meeting were delivered to the Emergency Services Minister and Treasurer,” she said. “That is the nature of consultation. This meant that there could be amendments.” Ms Edwards said that her role as the Speaker of the House was not an impediment to her speaking for the community that she represents. “I still advocate and was able to advocate for my community and to the minister.”

She also pointed to the bigger picture, saying: “Governments have to do what is most important for the whole state.”

This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 23 May 2025.