Fire levy reform call

By Kath Gannaway 8th September 2009
Mountain Views Mail

MCEWEN MP Fran Bailey is calling for the Fire Services Levy to be tied to local council rates.

The issue of the levy came into focus after the February fires when many homes and properties were found to be uninsured.

“The financial responsibility must be shared by all Victorians,” Ms Bailey said.

...
Mario Galteri of Coldstream Timber welcomed the model put forward by Ms Bailey saying it would be more equitable.

He said he was dreading the valuation he was currently waiting for, in view of a huge increase in the levy to more than 80 per cent of the insurance premium.

Mr Galteri said a levy based on rates would ensure everyone contributed towards the CFA.

“You are not just hitting the people who insure,” he said

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Many thanks to Mr Peter Ryan, Christine Fyffe and now Fran Bailey for pushing a change to this unfair tax.