Local governments from across Victoria have come together at the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) State Council to discuss ongoing issues with the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
MAV President, Jennifer Anderson said the Association had worked hard to strongly oppose the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), saying councils should not be a collection agency for the state.
“It’s pleasing that our State Council has provided a united voice for the local government sector on the need to continue this advocacy and highlight the need for further reform of the ESVF,” said Mr Anderson.
“The MAV recognises the importance of action on the ESVF to our sector, as the key issue discussed today and will continue this important work alongside the local government sector.”
The councils in attendance resolved to:
- Oppose Councils being the collector on behalf of the State Government
- State Revenue Office to collect the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) component of the ESVF, instead of councils
- Fully reimburse costs incurred by the local government sector for the collection, reporting and debt recovery services that it will provide
- Improve transparency and communication
- Ensure that the levy is equitably structured and does not disproportionately burden rural communities or primary producers
“It is not just some councils, the financial and mental impact on our entire farming community will be exponential,” said Pyrenees Mayor and MAV Delegate, Councillor Tanya Kehoe.
The full resolution states the following:
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
The MAV expresses the local government sector’s disappointment with State Government’s approach to levy collection and implementation of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) and opposes Local Government being a collector on behalf of State Government, and calls on the Victorian Government that if Local Government is to administer the funding then:
1.Adequate administration funding for local Government to manage the cost of administering the ESVF
2.Victorian Government to undertake the community engagement directly with communities
3.Transferring Levy Collection to the State
A) Transfer the responsibility of collecting the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) component to the State Revenue Office, ensuring streamlined and efficient collection while leveraging existing state resources.
4.Ensuring an Equitable Funding Model
A) Continue efforts to reduce the levy burden on all Victorian residents, ensuring the model remains equitable for all communities, especially rural areas and primary producers, reflecting the adjustments made to the Primary Production Land (PPL) rate.
5.Ensuring an Equitable Funding Model
A) Continue efforts to reduce the levy burden on all Victorian residents, ensuring the model remains equitable for all communities, especially rural areas and primary producers, reflecting the adjustments made to the Primary Production Land (PPL) rate
6.Improve Transparency and Communication:
A) Implement a comprehensive communication strategy to clarify the levy’s purpose, allocation, and impact on ratepayers.
B) Provide a publicly available statement detailing the reasons for changes to the fire services levy, including justifications for any fee increases from 1 July 2025.
7.Conduct an Ongoing Economic Impact Assessment:
A) Undertake periodic economic impact assessments to evaluate how levy changes, including adjustments to the PPR and the primary producer rebate,
affect residents, businesses, and the broader community.
B) Release findings publicly to ensure ongoing transparency and
facilitate informed decision-making for future policy revisions.
8.Ensure Equitable Fund Distribution:
A) Deliver a needs-based equalization approach for the distribution of ESVF funds, ensuring that rural and regional emergency services, which are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters, receive adequate and timely funding.
