New doubts have been raised regarding Labor’s use of the Allan Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) in state parliament.
The ESVF is a newly doubled and rebranded Labor tax, formerly called the Emergency Services Levy.
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said Labor has conveniently added ‘volunteers’ to the levy title in an attempt to provide a false narrative to the public but fails to disguise the consequences that a double tax hit would have.
“Labor refuses to provide any clarity on the distribution of the $2.1 billion it generates," Mr McCurdy said.
“The Allan Labor Government continues to avoid questions that would allow the community the clarity deserved as to how much will go to fundamental government services; and whether there will be relief in sight for our underfunded emergency services."
In state parliament recently, Labor was urged to come clean and detail the distribution of the ESVF.
“Volunteer agencies have been ignored and continuously misled in relation to Labor’s tax, said Mr McCurdy.
“Labor is using it to prop up government agencies including Triple Zero, the State Control Centre and Emergency Management Victoria – central services that should already be covered by existing tax revenue.
“Labor cut tens of millions of dollars from these agencies to fund the mismanaged big build in Melbourne; now it is double dipping on ratepayers to pay for its financial failures.
“It is disgraceful that our underfunded, yet essential services provided by CFA and SES must fundraise to purchase critical lifesaving equipment, and that Volunteer Coast Guards, St John Ambulance and Surf Life Saving Victoria do not have adequate funding ensured.
“In addition, Labor must ensure all emergency services organizations receive a fair share and that their volunteers receive a levy exemption for their invaluable community contribution.
“These services are the backbone of our community, entirely responsible for the safety and protection of our people; yet they are being undercut on the pecking order of importance as Labor continues to hide behind confusing language in a bid to deceive people and hide their financial incompetence” Mr McCurdy stated.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage emergency services and residents are paying the price.”