The Allan Labor Government continues to dodge questions surrounding cutbacks to Victoria’s emergency services.
Victorians could be facing summer at the beach without paid lifeguards because of Labor cutbacks, but the Minister for Emergency Services today ducked and weaved under direct questioning in Parliament.
Despite Victorians facing a $3 billion emergency services tax hike, it has been revealed Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has been forced to seek additional funds from coastal councils to cover the cost of paid lifeguards on our beaches.
Several Victorian councils have been asked to lift their contribution to the summer lifeguard program run by LSV – some by as much as 300 per cent.
This funding shortfall comes despite Labor’s emergency services tax, which has become a reality with rates notices appearing in mailboxes this month.
Rates have doubled for both residential and commercial properties under the new tax.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, said Labor was taking more and giving less back for frontline services.
“Labor’s refusal to address this latest lifesaving shortfall is consistent with its ducking and weaving around cuts to the CFA, SES and FRV,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We get a new $3 billion tax to fund our emergency services and yet Life Saving Victoria is forced to ask for help from councils. Those same councils are being asked to collect Labor’s new emergency services tax.
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
