VICTORIAN farmers are being called to rally against the proposed fire services property levy changes in Melbourne tomorrow.
The Victorian Farmers Federation today called on all farmers to make their voices heard in a final push against the proposed levy changes, with a parliamentary vote expected next week.
The rally opposing the levy increases will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, on the steps of Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne.
The VFF said the proposal has already sparked widespread backlash from the farming community, with concerns the levy will disproportionately impact primary producers and rural landholders.
Recent farmer-led protests have included a delegation to the Bendigo office of the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Alan, where volunteers left fire trucks parked outside, and a letter drop to the office of Ripon MP Martha Haylett in Maryborough.
VFF president Brett Hosking said now is the time for farmers to contact their local MPs and express their opposition before it’s too late.
“There’s already been a huge amount of noise about this, and rightly so.”
Mr Hosking has said under the proposal, the median fire services levy for primary producers will increase by 109 percent, from $621 to $1299 per assessment.
The VFF has urged the Victorian Government to legislate a cap on levy increases, implement fairer classification and rate setting, and provide a levy rebate for CFA volunteers.
Mr Hosking said the proposed changes are simply unfair on farmers who are already under pressure from rising input costs, rate hikes and climate challenges.
“We’re urging all rural Victorians to take action now; write or call your local MP. Let them know how this will affect your business, your family, and your community.”
“I’ve had farmer’s reach out to me telling me this new tax will mean one less full time employee on their farm,” Mr Hosking said.
“That’s one less family in the local school, less support in the local community and importantly less volunteers on CFA tankers when our communities are under threat.”
The VFF said the levy will increase the financial burden on farmers without delivering improved services or accountability in return.
“This is our last chance to make sure regional voices are heard loud and clear before the vote,” Mr. Hosking said.
Farmers can find contact details for their local MPs at www.parliament.vic.gov.au or use the VFF template.
What is next, the farmers and communities go broke? The government moves the mining companies in? Not on our watch. It is unAustralian and doesn’t pass the pub test. Victorian farmers will fight this crazy tax shoulder to shoulder and win and send a clear message to the government; no more taxes. Country communities matter.
This increase in the fire services property levy by the Victorian Allan Labor Government will not only destroy farmers on the brink, but also contribute to the increasing cost of living on all consumers throughout the supply chain in Australia. This increase in the levy will also set a precedent for other states and territories in Australia to follow suit.
The increase in this levy is disgusting and will not improve any service to the community at all. The Alan Labor Government must not increase this levy, but learn to budget within the government’s means and stop unnecessary spending such as the upgrade for a Grand Prix that doesn’t contribute greatly to the safety or economy of rural communities that are the backbone of our country.
The government must put Australian communities first and tourism last. Abolish this new proposed levy increase now and give our farmers and rural communities a fair go.
Pleased to see the VFF start the long battle against state expropriation and the annulment of private property rights. I hope these campaigns extend against exorbitant rate rises and legislation that cancels farmers commercial negotiation rights over transmission lines and wind farms. The Socialist turn in Australian politics will destroy the rural economy unless it is fiercely opposed.
This is totally unfair. Farmers already pay more rates etc and many are CFA or SES volunteers. Also, many are in a severe drought and are spending more than they are making. Also the suicide rate among farmers is high already and this will make it worse.