The Victorian government has temporarily backed down from its controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy after strong opposition from farmers and emergency service volunteers.
The levy will now be capped at the 2024/25 rate for all primary production properties across the state for the next financial year.
Thousands of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and farmers protested the new tax in Melbourne on budget day, 20th of May calling it unfair and financially burdensome.
In response, the government also announced an additional $37.7 million in funding to support farmers suffering from prolonged dry conditions across the state.
This funding includes $10,000 infrastructure grants for farmers in 11 local council areas and parts of West Wimmera, and $5,000 grants for all farmers across Victoria.
The government said support would extend to water carting and pasture re-establishment as paddocks remain bare due to a lack of autumn rainfall.
This marks the third drought-related funding announcement since September, with previous packages worth $13.5 million and $15.9 million targeting affected areas.
Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the severity of the drought, stating the crisis is impacting all regions regardless of postcode.
To address long-term challenges, the government has set up a new task force comprising politicians, farmer representatives, mental health advocates, and council officials to plan further relief.
Despite the temporary relief, protest leaders say the levy should be scrapped entirely, warning that the government’s pause is only for one year and doesn’t resolve the underlying issues.
