The Nationals will scrap the Tax: McCurdy

The Allan Labor Government’s backflip on its unfair Emergency Services Property Levy, pausing it for farmers for just 12 months, is too little, too late.

The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said the decision followed months of community outrage, sustained pressure from The Nationals and Liberals, and the overwhelming turnout at last month’s rally on the steps of Parliament.

“This is nothing more than a political bandaid, a temporary pause is not good enough. This tax should be scrapped altogether,” Mr McCurdy said.

“At a time when our farmers are facing severe drought and regional Victorians are doing it tough, Labor has chosen to impose a 150 per cent hike in a tax disguised as support for emergency services. It’s insulting and out of touch.”

Mr McCurdy said the levy would rip an extra $765 million a year from Victorian households, farmers, and small businesses, all while delivering no additional support to the very emergency volunteers it claims to help.

“The Nationals have stood with our communities every step of the way. We’re committed to scrapping Labor’s Emergency Services Property Levy entirely under a future Liberals and Nationals Government.

“Our emergency service volunteers deserve real support – not more red tape and certainly not another tax grab.”

Mr McCurdy said regional communities continue to pay the price for Labor’s financial mismanagement.

“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage emergency services, and Victorians are the ones left picking up the bill.”