STUNG by a jump in this year’s council rates farmers, householders, businesses and CFA volunteers gathered at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club to voice their strong concerns over the State Government’s new emergency services tax.
The Not in Our Name rally convened by Meg Edwards attracted vocal support from Liberal and National Party MPs and councillors from throughout Gippsland.
“Say no to more taxes on your rates notice,” said Meg Edwards.
Speaking out against the Labor Government’s Emergency Services Levy were Gippsland South MP and Victorian Nationals Leader Danny O'Brien, Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham MP, Member for Eastern Victoria Renee Heath MP and Shadow Minister for Local Government Bev McArthur MP.
Mayor of South Gippsland Shire Cr John Schelling joined councillors from Baw Baw and Cardinia Shires as well as Faye Tuchtan and Graham Wood from the Bass Coast Branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation.
“It’s not a levy, it’s a tax,” said Wayne Farnham MP.
“It will be catastrophic for every farmer in the state,” Mr Farnham said.
Nationals Leader Danny O'Brien MP said the emergency services levy tax would result in a 100% increase for every homeowner.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Bev McArthur MP said it was a terrible situation.
“We should not be taxed to keep safe,” said Ms McArthur.
“Local government has become the tax collector for the state.”
Ms McArthur said local government should stop being the State Government’s patsy.
Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council Renee Heath MP said the Emergency Services Levy bill was immoral and wrong.
Speaking for local farmers Faye Tuchtan and Graham Wood from the Bass Coast Branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation said it was farmers who organised groups of volunteers for the CFA.
“Our reward is a kick in the guts with a new tax,” said Mr Wood.
Mr Wood said it feels like deliberate punishment for the services farmers provide.
“This isn’t a tax on profit it’s a tax on your very existence,” he said.
The State Government was accused of seeing the value of farm assets as a cash cow.
“It’s a tax on volunteers,” said Mr Wood.