Farmers have welcomed today’s announcement by State Leader of the Nationals, Peter Ryan, that a Coalition Government would adopt the Bushfire Royal Commission’s recommendation to replace the Fire Services Levy with a levy on property if elected.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Andrew Broad has applauded the State Coalition’s announcement and issued a challenge to Premier Brumby to follow suit.
“We congratulate the State Coalition in supporting the removal of the Fire Service Levy, which is nothing more than an inefficient and inequitable tax on people who are acting responsibly,” Mr Broad said.
“Scraping the Fire Service Levy is a strong step towards fairer funding of fire services. The current funding model is merely a tax on insurance that penalises responsible action and rewards non-insurance and under-insurance.
“The Royal Commission’s recommendation, to replace the levy with a property based charge with consideration for a charge on motor vehicles, offers a fair and equitable solution to the current broken system.
“The Coalition’s plan to abolish the Fire Service Levy firmly puts the State Government out there on its own in support of the out-dated system.
“We cannot understand why the Premier is not convinced by the Bushfires Royal Commission and the numerous other expert reviews that have criticised taxing insurance as a means to fund fire brigades.
“These reviews have included the Henry Review into Australia’s Future Taxation, the 2001 Victorian Government Business Tax review and the 2003 HIH Royal Commission.
“It’s time the State Government realises that it is on its own in a stubborn defence of an unfair tax,” Mr Broad concluded.
Media Contacts
Beth Richens, VFF Public Affairs Advisor, 0400 934 277
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