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Melina Bath calls for repeal due to regional impact from Labor's emergency services tax stalls

Labor's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund tax has stalled in parliament, with The Nationals calling for its scrapping due to regional impacts, increased costs, and a lack of transparency.

By news@gippsland - 15th April 2025 - Back to News

Labor's deeply flawed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) has stalled in state parliament after the Allan Government suspended debate when it couldn't garner the support needed to pass its new tax. Labor is attempting to negotiate with Independent MPs and the Greens when parliament returns in May so its new tax can be applied from 1 July 2025, while The Nationals are calling for Labor to 'scrap the tax'.

Melina Bath criticised the tax increase, saying it unfairly burdens regional Victorians, particularly small businesses and farmers, during a cost-of-living crisis

Labor's regional burden

The Nationals' Melina Bath MP who spoke fiercely against the expanded tax said it will have a disproportionate impact on the regions. "Hardworking Victorians are extremely upset about Labor's latest tax increase which will extract an additional $2.1 billion over three years."

"The tax is a direct hit on regional Victorians, adding to the financial strain during a cost-of-living crisis with small businesses and farmers the hardest hit. Escalating taxes like the ESVF impact directly on primary producers' profitability and viability, leading to increased prices at the checkout."

"Meanwhile rental providers will be charged another $267 plus a doubling of the variable fee, forcing these costs to flow to renters. The Allan Labor Government must reconsider its priorities and stop punishing Victorians for its financial mismanagement," Ms Bath said.

Scrap Labor's tax

Increases in tax under Labor's emergency services levy include:

• Households to pay almost double
• Commercial rates to increase by 100 percent
• Industrial rates to increase by 64 percent
• Primary producers to increase of 189 percent

Ms Bath called out Labor for the lack of transparency for the tax's distribution as only 12 percent of the revenue raised would go to the CFA and SES volunteers. "The Nationals and Liberals will keep calling on Labor to scrap the tax, but it remains to be seen if Labor secures a dodgy deal with the crossbench to pass it."

To register your opposition to the tax - The Nationals are encouraging residents to visit Scrap the Tax website and send a protest message to the Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes. Labor can't manage money, and Victorians are paying the price.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com