The Allan Labor Government is trying to hoodwink Victorian farmers by putting its unpopular emergency services tax on hold, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
“In a clear sign of a nervous government, this tax has been shelved until after the next state election,” Ms Broad said.
“It has not been removed, just put on hold for political convenience.
“Labor has every intention of pushing ahead with a $3 billion tax grab, and Victorians are already paying for it.”
Ms Broad said she had also talked to CFA volunteers who had been told they could not claim the rebate because the property was in their partner’s name.
Farmers will face a staggering 150 per cent increase in their levy over coming years, while rental providers and renters will be slugged through a new fixed charge if Labor is returned to power next year.
“Labor is not listening to farmers; they’re just postponing the inevitable,” Ms Broad said.
“This pause isn’t about fairness, it’s about getting past an election without admitting the scale of the hit they’re planning to impose on regional Victoria.”
Labor announced that it would freeze (or pause) the levy for two years as part of the government’s mid-year budget update.
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged to scrap the emergency services tax and return to the previous Fire Services Property Levy model if they win the next election.
“The Nationals’ stand firmly with regional communities. Farmers and regional families deserve certainty, not political games,” Ms Broad said.
“Labor can’t manage money, and regional Victorians continue to pay the price.”
