MEMBER for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, has renewed her call for the State Government to scrap the emergency services tax, following compelling findings from a Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) survey that highlights widespread frustration and deep concern among Victorian farmers.
Ms Bath raised the issue in state parliament as rates notices containing the controversial tax began arriving in mailboxes across eastern Victoria, sparking renewed outrage.
“Labor must scrap the tax. It cannot keep pushing farmers to breaking point,” said the Nationals’ MP.
The VFF’s extensive survey highlights the depth of concern across the agricultural sector:
- 95 per cent of respondents are concerned or very concerned about the Emergency Services Levy
- 95 per cent are concerned or very concerned about new taxes
- 96 per cent are concerned or very concerned about road and freight infrastructure
- 88 per cent are concerned or very concerned about rising energy costs
- 87 per cent are concerned or very concerned about getting the transition to renewables right
Ms Bath said she continues to receive calls from local farmers who are struggling both financially and mentally.
“So many are at the end of their tether, and the Allan Labor Government is refusing to listen.
“Given the relentless pressures on farmers, this level of frustration is entirely expected.
“Labor has imposed exorbitant new taxes, failed to consult on renewable energy infrastructure, and stripped farmers of their right to object when their land is impacted.
“The Allan Government continues to ride roughshod over the very people who feed and clothe us.
“Instead of treating primary producers as a cash cow, the Allan Government should be backing them and delivering the support needed to strengthen Victoria’s world-class food and fibre industry.”
The state government has delayed the full increase of its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy for primary producers for the 2025-26 financial year, following protests from farmers and volunteers.
This means primary producers will continue to pay the 2024-25 rate of the levy, rather than the significantly higher proposed rate.
The delay is a temporary measure as part of a drought response package, and the increased rate is still planned to take effect from the 2026-27 financial year.
For many, the rates notices, detailing an increase by thousands and thousands of dollars, will hit the farmhouse kitchen table or email inboxes next year only a month or two out from the next state election, on Saturday. November 28, 2026, sure to make it a central feature of the campaign.
