The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) is a new Victorian Government levy (replacing the Fire Services Property Levy) due to be introduced on 1 July and aimed at supporting more of the state's emergency services.
The ESVF will be collected by Councils on behalf of the Victorian Government.
The Fire Services Property Amendment (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund) Bill 2025 has yet to receive Royal Assent.
A statement by Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella:
The impact of the State Government's Emergency Services Levy (ESVL) on our farming communities is extremely concerning. While there is no doubt that our first responders deserve better frontline services, vehicles, and facilities, ultimately helping to maintain preparedness and response capabilities, especially given the incredible work they do—this support must not come at the cost of our struggling farmers.
Many in rural Victoria are already on the brink, facing extreme financial pressure due to ongoing drought and varying climatic conditions that show no sign of easing. Adding yet another financial burden, risks pushing people over the edge.
It feels as though rural Victorians are being unfairly targeted and seen as the lowest common denominator in a desperate effort to claw back from the state's overspending.
This must stop. The domino effect of these levies could be devastating, not just economically but emotionally. Our primary producers (our food bowl) form the backbone of this state and breaking them could lead not only to higher food costs of but more importantly to severe mental health consequences. We've seen what happens when communities are pushed too far—there is a real danger here, and it cannot be ignored.
There must be another way.
Instead of imposing more financial pressure, why not engage the people of Victoria to help find a sustainable solution? Let's open the conversation and look for innovative, community-driven answers that support both our emergency services and our farmers. Collaboration, not division, will get us through this. Our farmers deserve respect and relief—not more hardship.
A statement by Central Goldfields Shire Interim CEO Sally Jones:
Working the land and volunteering for local emergency services are two jobs that many people in rural communities do. They make a priceless contribution, particularly during storm and fire seasons. However, rural councils and the communities they serve are under more strain as a result of the design of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF).
The ESVF must be collected by councils on behalf of the Victorian Government under the current arrangements. None of the money raised by this levy remains with local councils to provide much needed services to our community, even though it is shown on the rate notice. There is no financial gain for councils.
This is a state tax, enforced on councils as the collection agency. Despite ongoing advocacy to the State Government from the Municipal Association of Victora, Victorian Local Government Association, Regional and Rural Councils Victoria as well as individual councils independently raising their concerns alongside our emergency services, there appears to be no intent from the State Government to change this arrangement.
For Central Goldfields Shire, the financial burden placed on our community has been calculated at approximately $890,000 in its first year.
For small councils already currently overburdened by rate capping, infrastructure demands, and now facing drought conditions, this will result in significant additional administrative work, with the unfortunate situation of our staff being unable to answer questions or resolve concerns about this imposed tax.
When the Council rates and the ESVF tax are paid by the ratepayer, the ESVF tax is transferred to the State Government, dollar-for-dollar. This means that if a property owner decides to only pay the Council rates amount (minus the tax) Council's revenue will be directly impacted.
A proportion of all rates received is required to be paid to the State, regardless of the total amount the ratepayer chooses to pay, even though the amounts are different items on the rates notice.
Councils are obliged to collect the rates and the levy together and cannot use a separate invoice for each amount.
Councils are very supportive of our volunteers. However, the current system unjustly transfers accountability without directly returning resources or transparency and councils lack the authority to alter the fund's structure or distribution. It's time for a more realistic and cooperative strategy that helps emergency services without putting additional strain on communities affected by drought and the councils working to assist them.
Council will continue to advocate for our communities through advocacy initiatives and supporting sector wide resistance to the ESVF tax.
Helplines:
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria 1300 735 578
National Centre for Farmer Health 5551 8533
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyondblue 1300 224 636
