Disgraceful Labor tax kicks farmers and volunteers while they’re down

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has expressed his absolute disgust at the Allan Labor Government’s decision to ram through its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), labelling it a callous betrayal of regional Victoria.

“This is one of the most disgraceful attacks on our rural communities I have ever witnessed,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Farmers across the Ovens Valley are in survival mode. They are scraping together every last cent to truck in hay and grain just to keep their animals alive in the face of a worsening drought. And what does Labor do? They slug them with a tax hike of up to 150 per cent.”

The ESVF, passed during a late-night sitting with the support of the Greens and crossbenchers, will see farmers hit with increases of tens of thousands of dollars.

“Labor spin doctors call it a ‘concession’ to reduce the increase from 189 per cent to 150 per cent. It’s an insult. Farmers don’t need $3 a week back, they need a government that understands the brutal reality they are living through.”

Mr McCurdy said this decision shows Labor’s utter disregard for the communities who step up time and time again in times of crisis.

“Our farmers and emergency service volunteers are the backbone of this state,” he said. 

“They deserve respect and support, not to be treated like Labor’s ATM. Rural Victorians have been kicked in the guts by a government that clearly doesn’t care.”