Fresh concerns have been raised in state parliament about Labor’s handling of the Allan Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The ESVF, a newly doubled and rebranded version of the former Fire Services Property Levy, has sparked criticism for its lack of transparency.
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said Labor’s decision to include “volunteers” in the levy’s name was misleading and did not change the reality of a double tax burden.
“Labor refuses to disclose how the $2.1 billion it collects is being distributed,” Ms Benham said.
“The Allan Government continues to dodge questions, yet our community has a right to know how much of this money is supporting essential emergency services and how much is actually reaching our underfunded volunteer organisations.”
In parliament, the Nationals demanded that Labor come clean on how the ESVF is being allocated.
“Volunteer emergency service organisations remain in the dark about Labor’s tax. I have met with both the Country Fire Authority and local councils recently to discuss the potential impacts of this tax and to understand if stakeholders on the ground have any clarity over it,” Ms Benham said.
“Instead of properly funding them, Labor is diverting this levy to cover core government agencies such as Triple Zero, the State Control Centre, and Emergency Management Victoria—services that should already be funded from existing tax revenue.
“The Allan Government must be upfront about where this money is going and ensure all emergency service organisations receive a fair share,” Ms Benham said.
“Additionally, volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping our community safe deserve a levy exemption in recognition of their invaluable service.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage emergency services, and as a result, volunteer services are paying the price.”
