Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur MP, has joined an unprecedented gathering of six Western Victorian mayors united in opposition to the Allan Labor Government’s controversial emergency services tax.

Participating mayors included: Cr Kate Makin (Corangamite Shire), Cr Karen Foster (Moyne Shire), Cr Ben Blain (Warrnambool City), Cr Jason Schram (Colac Otway Shire), Cr Tanya Kehoe (Pyrenees Shire), Cr Jo Armstrong (Ararat Rural City).

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Karen Stephens and Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin were unable to attend but expressed strong support for the cause.

The mayors called for a fairer funding model for rural communities – who will be hardest hit by the tax – along with clearer communication regarding the tax’s purpose and use. They also urged the Government to take responsibility for collection or provide compensation to councils acting on its behalf.

Collective action

Standing alongside the mayors outside the Mortlake CFA Station, Mrs McArthur commended their collective action.

“I have never seen a coalition of agreement like this,” Mrs McArthur said.

“I will stand with every municipality that will bear the brunt of this totally unfair new tax.

“Local government should not be the debt collector for this state.

“Funding the safety of citizens should be the government’s number one priority and should not require an extra tax.”

Deceptively named

Mrs McArthur said the tax was deceptively named: “It’s a brand new property tax on volunteers, not a fund for volunteers.

“The Minister couldn’t even guarantee during the debate in Parliament that the money would return to the communities that are carrying the burden of this tax.”

Mrs McArthur also highlighted the compounding pressures on rural Victorians, especially farmers already facing drought, livestock losses, high interest rates, and rising input costs.

“The only way we can defeat this tax is to defeat this government in 2026.”

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 27 May 2025.