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Emergency services tax hits Gippslanders hard despite protests, crossbench deals and soaring cost-of-living pressures

Labor'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 fallout

Labor 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 tax

Leader 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