Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Emergency services tax hits Gippslanders hard despite protests, crossbench deals and soaring cost-of-living pressuresLabor's emergency services tax is a costly new burden on Victorians, with farmers and property owners hit hardest amid a cost-of-living crisis - despite crossbench deals and widespread community opposition. By news@gippsland - 17th May 2025 - Back to News The emergency services tax is nothing but a cruel cash grab - and the dirty deals and token amendments between Labor and the cross bench will not reduce the pain the tax will cause Victorians. This tax, rammed through Parliament overnight, is Labor's 60th new or increased tax. 
Labor's new emergency services tax hits Victorians hard, with higher costs for homeowners, farmers, and renters despite crossbench deals and community protests Tax hike falloutLabor can't manage money and Victorians will pay the price - regardless of last-minute deals done to win crossbench support. Higher tax rates will kick in on July 1, impacting on every homeowner, business owner, farmer and renter. Despite the deals, farmers will still have to pay 150 per cent more under this new tax than under the former fire services levy. Labor is forcing Victorians to pay extra for core government emergency services currently funded out of consolidated revenue. The dirty deal to get the legislation passed follows "Scrap the Tax" protests on the steps of Parliament this week, when Premier Jacinta Allan refused to address the crowd. Emergency services taxLeader of The Nationals and Shadow Emergency Services Minister, Danny O'Brien, said the new tax was a revenue measure - not a real plan to enhance emergency services. "Amendments and undertakings don't fix bad legislation. This is a massive hit amidst a cost-of-living crisis, and a drought in many parts of regional Victoria." "The emergency services tax is about plugging budget holes, not frontline services. Farmers, so vocal in their protests on the steps of Parliament, have been used as a bargaining tool, which leaves a very poor taste," Mr O'Brien said. Shadow Treasurer, James Newbury, said: "It's still a dog of a tax - and it's now a reality. Labor has sold out Victorians with this great big new dog of a tax and the crossbench have stabbed property owners in the back. Every Victorian should remember who sold them out in Parliament and who stood with them. This great big new tax will break people who are already unable to afford Labor's tax addiction." Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
|
|
