The VFF says proposed hikes under the new scheme could see some farmers forced to pay up to 400 per cent on top of the current levy.
VFF president Brett Hosking said it would place an enormous and unfair financial burden on those already struggling and farmers who are facing volatile prices, ever-decreasing profit margins and increasing extreme weather events.
“This tax hike is just another cost farm businesses will be forced to pay and it’s time to go back to the drawing board and find a better solution,” Mr Hosking said.
“A one-size-fits-all approach clearly doesn’t work when you’ve got some farmers facing a hike of up to 400 per cent.
“There’s no way a rise of that much can be justified and for some, it could be the nail in the coffin for their farm businesses.”
Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said the re-badged fund will result in Victorians paying more for less.
“Premier Allan’s latest cash grab is not just to fund emergency services like the CFA and SES — for the first time it will be funding core services like Triple Zero Victoria that Victorians already pay taxes for,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Victorian homeowners can now expect to pay 17.3 cents for every $1000 in capital improved value — up from 8.7 cents.
“Commercial, industrial and primary production landowners face increases of 100 per cent, 64 per cent and 186 per cent respectively.”
Mr Hosking said while the levies that fund our fire services were critical, the current broad-based tax was unfit for use and the government must urgently consider an alternative.
“Instead of placing a blanket levy on all property owners, the government should consider a more targeted approach that ensures the funds are distributed where they’re needed most,” he said.
“Rural Victorians are already bearing the brunt of many challenges, from droughts to fires. This levy will add insult to injury, making it even harder for farmers to recover and thrive.
“The current approach certainly isn’t a solution that supports the needs of country Victorians and we’re urging the government to reassess its approach and explore more equitable solutions.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said Victorians were being forced to pay more for fire services while receiving significantly less protection, as the state faces an alarming decline in volunteer firefighter numbers.
She said a new report has revealed that since Labor came to power in 2014, Victoria’s volunteer firefighter workforce has plummeted by more than 20 per cent, leaving just 28,906 operational CFA volunteers — less than half of the NSW 67,569-strong volunteer force.
“The CFA has lost its autonomy, volunteers are being forced to rely on 30-year-old trucks, and yet Victorians are paying twice as much for fire services as we were a decade ago.”
Ms Cleeland, who has been meeting with CFA brigade captains and volunteers across her electorate, said concerns about ageing vehicles and dwindling support from the government were widespread.
“Brigades are struggling with outdated equipment, recruitment challenges, and a culture that has deteriorated under Labor’s mismanagement,” she said.
“Volunteers are the backbone of firefighting, especially in rural and regional areas. Labor’s neglect is not just an insult to these dedicated men and women — it’s a serious public safety failure.”
