Farmers concerns on tax and debt

Farmers concerns on tax and debt

Article Date:03/12/09

Farmers air concerns at public hearing into taxation and debt

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has given evidence to the Victorian Parliament’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDIC), building on a recent submission to the Committee which highlighted the concerns of farmers with the Fire Service Levy, the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) and other taxation issues.

Former VFF Treasurer Geoff Crick said the VFF explained to the Inquiry into State Government Taxation and Debt that the current funding model for fire services and the taxes associated with selling land within the Urban Growth Boundary were inequitable policies which had a profound impact on Victorian agriculture.

“The inequality of the Fire Service Levy does not only affect farmers. Every business outside of Melbourne is forced to pay an additional 122 percent on top of their fire insurance premiums, which includes the fire service levy, plus GST and stamp duty,” Mr Crick said.

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