Victorians could be facing summer at the beach without paid lifeguards because of Labor Government cutbacks, despite a $3 billion emergency services tax hike.
It has been revealed Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is seeking additional funds from coastal councils to cover the cost of paid lifeguards on our beaches.
This is despite Labor taxing Victorians more for emergency services, with rates notices appearing in mailboxes this month revealing bills have doubled for both residential and commercial properties.
A number of Victorian councils have been asked to increase their contribution to the summer lifeguard program run by LSV, some by as much as 400 per cent.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, said Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.
“How can it possibly be that Labor has introduced a new $3 billion tax to fund our emergency services and yet a genuine emergency service like Life Saving Victoria is having to pass around the begging bowl?” Mr O’Brien said.
“It’s hard to believe Labor’s claims that this new money will support emergency services when they are, in fact, being cut.
“We have already seen government funding cuts to the CFA, SES and SRV, and now our paid lifeguard service is short of money too.
“The same councils being asked to collect Labor’s new tax are now being hit up for increases of up to 400 per cent to cover the cost of lifeguards because of a lack of state government funding.
“What’s next? The fire brigade asking homeowners to provide their own fire hoses?”
Media Contact: Mark Stevens – 0412 780 563
