Opposition turns up heat on govt fire levy

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THE Victorian opposition has turned up the heat on Premier John Brumby over the controversial fire services levy.

But critics say it's an inequitable tax that will only discourage people from taking out insurance.

Farmers will pay an 84 per cent tax on the cost of their insurance, up from 68 per cent.

Mr Ryan added

"Country Victorians are being unfairly and unjustifiably punished because of this year’s bushfires and the effort that was mounted to fight them,” Mr Ryan said.

“While the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition agrees that the CFA must be adequately funded, it is clear that the system as it stands is unjust and unreasonable.”

Mr Ryan said in these troubled times the latest FSL increase could be enough to push businesses over the edge and force them to close, costing valuable jobs.

“Country Victorians are increasingly calling on John Brumby to implement a fairer system but the problem is just getting worse,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Premier must fully co-operate with the Federal Government’s Henry Review into Australia’s Future Tax System, as it investigates the FSL.

“John Brumby must acknowledge once and for all the huge burden the FSL places on country Victorians, and agree to implement a fairer, more equitable system.”