TWO crossbenchers who helped pass the State Government’s emergency services tax have refused to explain their vote that angered country communities.
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, elected in Northern Victoria region in 2022 with 1.53 per cent of the vote, did not speak during debate in the Legislative Council when the Government gained the numbers two weeks ago.
She has not responded to multiple questions from the Loddon Herald on her support  of the tax, her consultation in Loddon Shire before ther vote and whether she would visit local communities to promote what she believed were benefits of the tax.
Greens MP in Western Victoria Region, Sarah Mansfield has also refused to answer questions.
However, Dr Mansfield did speak during debate in Parliament. She told Parliament: “We had serious concerns about this levy, especially regarding the impact on farmers, residents experiencing hardship and rural councils, and we were not convinced that enough of the fund was going towards actually supporting frontline emergency services with everything that they need. 
“That is why the Greens first abstained from voting on this bill in the lower house to consider it in more detail and consult with a variety of stakeholders, including local councils, farmers, members of the CFA, the rural fire brigade, SES, firefighters and many more. 
“We have worked really hard over these past couple of months, meeting with all those stakeholders to understand their concerns and look at how this bill could be improved. As a result of your advocacy, we have secured some major improvements to reduce the burden on those doing it toughest, like our farmers, and to make sure the money actually goes to where it needs to. Thanks to the Greens’ negotiations, every dollar from the levy will now go directly to strengthening emergency services and cannot be used to fill budget black holes or fund activities that are not frontline emergency services.”