Victorian Volunteer Firefighters Walk Off the Job as State Enacts New Tax

A planned tax change meant to fund emergency services has caused a stir in Victoria.

a Firetruck is seen arriving at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 3, 2020. Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Volunteer firefighters in regional Victoria stepped down on May 15 as state parliament enacted a new emergency services levy.

There were reports of firefighters leaving their posts in regional communities on the night of May 15 when state MPs were debating on the bill, set to come into effect on July 1.