Rethinking the ESVF - an unfair tax
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Desired Outcome
We call on the Victorian Government to repeal the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund for legislation that funds emergency services transparently and equitably.
Why is this a priority?
The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund passed into law in 2025 without consulting councils or communities, despite vocal regional opposition.
It places an unfair burden on rural and agricultural communities, whose lives depend on volunteers and emergency services.
Following rises to the Fire Services Property Levy, and more recently the ESVF, money leaving Mansfield Shire's economy to fund statewide emergency services has nearly doubled since 2023 — from just over $2 million to around $4 million.
Meanwhile, CFA volunteers attend fires in ageing tankers, and emergency facilities are too outdated to be fit for purpose.