The Liberals and Nationals will be fighting in parliament today for the 43,748 people who signed Victoria's largest-ever parliamentary e-petition - and every other Victorian - calling for the Allan Labor Government to scrap its unfair emergency services tax.
The petition was sponsored by Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken, who will lead the debate for the Liberals and Nationals.
Labor's $3 billion emergency services tax hit comes during a cost-of-living crisis, yet emergency services continue to be short-changed.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O'Brien said: "The Liberals and Nationals will scrap this unfair tax.
"This new tax was never about supporting emergency services; it was always about the government trying to plug holes in the budget.
"Labor can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price."
Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson said: "The Allan Labor Government's Emergency Services Tax is another example of Labor forcing Victorians to pay the price of their own financial mismanagement."
"Labor's priorities are all wrong. Instead of managing Victorians' money responsibly and investing for the future, Labor's decade of waste and higher taxes continues to leave Victorians worse off.
Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken said: "The petition sends a clear message to Jacinta Allan and her government: take country people for granted at your own peril."
"The petition gives a voice to Victorians who cannot afford another Labor cash grab. Many are worried about paying the new tax and even losing their farm.
"Victorians want genuine want genuine consultation and to be heard, but this government continues to ignore local communities.
"Our volunteers show up when it matters most, standing between life and loss. Now this government wants to repay that service with a new tax on the very people who protect us."
It's time for a fresh start - only a Liberal and Nationals government will scrap this unfair tax.
Petition: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund/
