Victorian homeowners, businesses and farmers will pay $2.1 billion more in tax under Labor's latest tax grab announced today.
The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will see all of Victoria's emergency services, which are normally allocated funding in the annual State Budget, now rely on the new levy to fund up to 95 per cent of their operations.
Victorian homeowners can now expect to pay 17.3 cents for every $1,000 in Capital Improved Value, up from 8.7 cents - an increase of almost 100 per cent.
Furthermore, commercial, industrial and primary production landowners will pay 100, 64 and 189 per cent more respectively, and comes only days on from Labor's fraudulent "Economic Growth Statement" which failed to reduce any tax on businesses.
Shadow Treasurer, Brad Rowswell, said: "Today the Allan Labor Government announced its latest tax hit on Victorian families, farmers and small businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.
"Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Tim Pallas just this week spruiked support for manufacturing and business, but instead of cutting bureaucracy and taxes, has today announced industry, commerce and primary production are set to be slugged.
"All Labor's new tax grab will do is put further pressure on prices of essential goods and services during a cost-of-living crisis, at a time when inflation remains high."
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Richard Riordan, said: "The financial recklessness of Labor means it cannot fund our frontline emergency services and is now hitting Victorian ratepayers with yet another increased charge.
"After slashing tens of millions of dollars from Triple Zero Victoria, the State Emergency Service and the Country Fire Authority over the last two years, Labor now blames hardworking volunteers for a massive two-billion-dollar increase.
"Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage emergency services and Victorians are paying the price."
