Politics & Council
27 December, 2025
Short changed on emergency service ‘investment'
National's leader discusses Emergency Services Tax in letter to the Editor
Sir, Victorians are being slugged more than $3 billion for Labor’s increased emergency services tax, yet frontline crews at Forest Fire Management Victoria are still stuck with offline vehicles and second-hand equipment from interstate.
If this is what the Allan Labor Government calls “investment,” then Victorians deserve a refund.
What exactly are we getting for this massive new tax?
The CFA and SES base budgets have been cut, CFA brigades are dealing with old trucks and ageing stations while volunteers, already giving their time and risking their lives, are being taxed by the very government that claims to support them. No wonder so many are hanging up their jackets.
The government’s latest stunt, deferring the ESVF levy hikes for farmers and rental providers until after the next state election is nothing more than a political manoeuvre. If the Allan Labor Government is serious about community safety - it would properly equip and respect the volunteers who stand on the frontline when disaster strikes.
A Nationals and Liberal Government will ensure our emergency services are supported, respected and properly funded to continue the amazing work they do – because lives depend on it.
Danny O’Brien
Leader of the Nationals