Firm but fair.
In case you missed the news last Friday, the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund passed the Victorian Parliament and is now awaiting Royal Assent.
The Victorian Government announced in December last year that the Fire Services Property Levy will be replaced with the new Fund from 1 July 2025.
As those who are paying attention would note from the footage of various farmers protesting in Melbourne, the issue has become quite the topic for debate.
As the merits of both sides of the debate play out, I'd simply like to remind everyone to be respectful of our Shire's frontline customer service employees when engaging with them if you wish to air any of your grievances.
A lesson in civics and the division of powers is probably required here but this column is too small to allow that. Basically, and to be clear: all local governments in Victoria are mere legislative instruments of the State Government, enacted and empowered by an act of Parliament.
As such the State Government uses local government not only as a collection agency for the State Revenue Office (ie: ESVF), but many other initiatives and programs when they want direct access to the public.
Whatever way this levy increase is going to impact you I would encourage all ratepayers and residents to contact members of parliament and let your thoughts be known to them, as I did personally last week. But please do so in a respectful manner.
