Volunteers Firefighters Protest, Say They’re Being Used to Disguise New Tax on Victorians

Libertarian MP David Limbrick and Liberal Moira Deeming both spoke at the protest on the steps of Parliament House.

Thousands of farmers and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer firefighters gather outside Victoria's State Parliament in Melbourne, Australia, on May 20, 2025. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Thousands of Victorian volunteer firefighters, farmers, and residents protested in front of the state’s parliament, saying they are being used as a smokescreen for a new tax.

On May 15, the Victorian Parliament passed the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) bill to replace the previous Fire Services Property Levy, charging households and farms.