In case you missed it, yesterday afternoon in the Victorian Parliament, the Allan Government’s proposed expansion of the Fire Services Property Levy was successfully stalled.
It is now clear the government does not have the numbers to ram through the controversial changes, which would see the levy extended to fund other emergency services such as Triple Zero Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria.
This is a significant development, and it is in no small part thanks to the collective efforts of the VFF and you our members.
Over recent weeks, we have worked hard to bring public attention to this issue and ensure decision-makers understand what’s at stake for farmers and regional communities. We’ve been actively engaging with crossbench MPs behind the scenes, whose votes will ultimately decide the bill’s fate and the response has been encouraging.
Importantly, our campaign has gained strong public backing from the Rural Councils Victoria, the United Firefighters Union and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who have also opposed this tax hike. This united front has helped shine a much-needed spotlight on the unintended consequences of the proposal.
We also want to sincerely thank the many VFF members who have written to their local MPs…your voices are being heard, and they’re making a real impact. The strength of grassroots advocacy cannot be overstated, and your efforts are helping to shift the debate.
At the beginning of the week, the VFF called for the legislation to be referred to a Parliamentary Inquiry to properly scrutinise its impacts. The Opposition supported this call and moved to establish the inquiry, but the government instead chose to adjourn debate on its own bill to avoid defeat.
Parliament is scheduled to resume on 13 May, and we expect the bill will return for debate. In the meantime, we will continue to work constructively with all sides of politics and ensure the government fully understands how these changes will affect you, your businesses, and your communities.
We’re not across the finish line yet, but this is a promising step forward. Your continued support, action, and voice are vital as we push to secure a fair outcome.
Please ensure you keep supporting the VFF by ensuring your membership is up to date, and also don’t forget to tell other farmers about our important advocacy. It’s your stories and experiences throughout Victoria that allow us to do our job and be your voice.
Thank you again for standing with us.
Victorian Farmers Federation.