We need your help to stop the proposed extension of the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) by voicing your concerns to decision makers.
Under the proposed changes, the median fire services levy for primary producers will jump from $621 to $1,299 per assessment, representing a staggering 109% increase! This change will result in some landholders receiving hikes in the tens of thousands of dollars.
We’re asking you to use the below letter template and send it to your local member of parliament to voice your concerns before it is debated next week.
We especially encourage members in Western Victoria to email the Greens Deputy Leader Sarah Mansfield, as the Greens vote will be critical to stopping the tax. You can use this link to view your local member’s contact details.
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EMAIL SUBJECT:
Stop the unfair new fire services levy
EMAIL COPY:
Hi (INSERT CONTACT NAME),
I’m writing to ask for your help in stopping the Fire Services Property Amendment (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund) Bill 2025. As a local farmer, I’m deeply concerned about how this change will unfairly increase costs for people like me.
This Bill will drastically raise the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) for farmers, forcing us to pay much more—109% more on average—while others see smaller increases. It also expands the levy beyond fire services to things like Triple Zero Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria, which should be funded by the government, not by an extra charge on property owners.
On top of that, the government didn’t consult with the community before introducing this Bill. In 2013, when the fire services levy was first set up, farmers and other Victorians had a chance to have their say. This time, we’ve been ignored.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With drought and rising costs already making it harder to stay afloat, this new tax will hit farm businesses hard. It’s also unfair that Crown land won’t be charged the levy, even though it’s managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria, which will benefit from the new fund.
I urge you stop the tax and stand up for farmers and all Victoria and push for a fairer solution. The government should work with the community to find a better way to fund emergency services, one that doesn’t put an unfair burden on farmers.
I’d love to discuss this with you and hear your thoughts. Please let me know how we can work together to stop this Bill.
Thank you,
(INSERT YOUR CONTACT DETAILS)
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Together, we can help voice our concerns for a fair and transparent funding model for emergency services that doesn’t unfairly punish Victorian farmers or set a reckless precedent for the future.