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Coalition Government Releases Consultation Paper For New Fire Services Funding Model

The Victorian Coalition Government has released a community consultation paper for the design and implementation of a fairer, more equitable system to fund fire services in Victoria.

By Russell Northe - 11th July 2011 - Back to News

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the consultation paper was the first step in introducing a significant and long-overdue reform to ensure Victoria‟s fire services were appropriately funded. The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommended that „the State replace the Fire Services Levy with a property-based levy and introduce concessions for low-income earners‟. Mr Northe said the Coalition Government had adopted all Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations. "The Coalition Government will introduce a new levy that at long last ensures all Victorian property owners pay a fair contribution to the state‟s fire services, while ensuring Victoria‟s fire services continue to operate with sufficient resources. "The Fire Services Levy (FSL) should have been scrapped by the former Labor Government years ago. Until just prior to the election, Labor refused to listen to the concerns of Victorians calling for the FSL to be abandoned," Mr Northe said. "Every Victorian understands the need to have well-funded fire fighting services and the release of the consultation paper is an important step in implementing this new approach." Mr Northe said the options paper set out the Coalition Government‟s proposal to replace the current funding model with a new property-based fire services levy. "I encourage all interested community members to read the consultation paper and make a submission to inform the final design and implementation for the new FSL," Mr Northe said. The consultation paper is available at www.dtf.vic.gov.au, and submissions close on 30 September 2011. The Coalition Government intends to introduce legislation in early 2012. There will be a transition period that will commence on 1 July 2012 to allow insurers to phase out the FSL prior to full implementation from 1 July 2013.

Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037.
• The Nationals unveil Tradie Support Plan for Eastern Victoria, targeting skills shortages, apprenticeship costs and toll expenses
  The Nationals have announced a tradie support plan featuring apprentice training subsidies, 10 technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap, aiming to address skills shortages and support eastern Victoria businesses.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.