Council
23 May, 2025
Tehan calls for ESVF to be axed
MEMBER for Wannon Dan Tehan has said the Allan State Government must axe its “unfair” Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) which he feels threatens to devastate regional Victoria.
Mr Tehan joined thousands of Wannon farmers, property owners, CFA volunteers and local council members in Melbourne on Tuesday to protest the ESVF.
“This Labor Government has spent taxpayers’ money like it grows on trees, and now they’re coming after our money to try to plug their budget blackhole,” he said.
“This unfair levy will hurt everyone in my community – farmers will be forced off the farms they have worked for generations; local businesses will suffer from higher taxes and less money in the local economy; and the mental health impact will cascade through families.
“Labor doesn’t understand regional Australia – they are increasing taxes on the community volunteers who risk their lives to help others during an emergency.
“How is that going to improve emergency services?
“People in south west Victoria look at the billions of dollars state Labor has spent on new tunnels, new train stations and level crossing removals meanwhile they are hit with another new tax.”
Mr Tehan said the State Government’s counterpart in South Australia was working to support their farmers.
“While the South Australian Government recently provided a $73 million support package for its drought-affected farmers, the Victorian Labor Government is increasing costs for those already struggling,” he said.
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