‘Offensive’: Union Chief Says Volunteer Firefighters Used to Mask Victorian Labor Tax Grab

The government’s new emergency services fund will charge homeowners and farmers each year.

A supplied image shows CFA firetrucks near an out of control bushfire in the Grampians National park, Victoria on Dec. 23, 2024. AAP Image/Supplied by CFA

United Firefighters’ Union Secretary Peter Marshall has heavily criticised the Victorian government for using volunteer firefighters as cover for a new tax aimed at dealing with the state’s ongoing debt crisis.

The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy is expected charge residential homeowners an extra $63 per year, and $678 for farmers.