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Fire services levy changes draw criticism

Dec 20, 2024

Kim O'Keeffe isn’t happy about the increases that come with the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Victorian Government’s decision to increase the fire services levy through the rebranded Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund has drawn criticism from the Opposition.

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State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe condemned the proposed changes, saying that they are set to double the amount that Victorian property owners pay each year.

“Regional Victorians have been hit by yet another Allan Labor Government tax grab, with homeowners, businesses and farmers financially impacted,” she said.

“Using a levy to pay for more services means there will be less transparency on where and how money is spent.”

From July 1, 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy will become the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will help support a broader range of emergency services, including VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria, as well as the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.

The new fund will see costs for households rise by about $60 a year on average, according to the government.

As part of the changes, volunteers will now be exempt from the levy, which the opposition has been fighting for.