FARMER concerns with the State Government’s new emergency services tax have been raised with Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes by Ripon MP Martha Haylett.
Despite voting in favour of the Government’s legislation when it passed the Legislative Assembly, Ms Haylett said: “I have received a flood of feedback about the proposed levy, especially from farmers across Ripon who are concerned with the disproportionate impact it may have on primary producers.
“Farmers across the Loddon Shire have faced floods, dry conditions, low commodity prices, and high interest rates in just the last two years alone. I know many farming families fear that the increased rates from the levy would be another blow to their ability to make ends meet.
“I share many of these concerns and have raised them directly with both the Premier and Treasurer.”
Ms Haylett said concerns put to Premier Allan included: 
How the rate was determined and why it impacts farmers much more than those who live in rural and regional towns;
Why the levy will be spent on public service roles, including Triple Zero and Forest Fire Management Victoria operations;
If the levy will be increased over time and interest applied if paid late;
If funds collected per local government area will be returned to emergency services in those areas,
How active volunteer will be defined, including if the volunteer must be an operational member.