Levy increase a step too far

MANY farmers may have dodged the fire season but there seems to be no dodging the Fire Levy Tax, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).

The peak body for farmers says the proposed hikes to the Fire Services Levy could see some farmers forced to pay up to 400 per cent on top of the current levy.

VFF president Brett Hosking said the levy flagged by the Victorian government would place an enormous and unfair financial burden on those already struggling and farmers who are facing volatile prices, ever-decreasing profit margins and increasing extreme weather events.

“This tax hike is just another cost farm businesses will be forced to pay and it’s time to go back to the drawing board and find a better solution.

“A one-size-fits-all approach clearly doesn’t work when you’ve got some farmers facing a hike of up to 400 per cent.

“There’s no way a rise of that much can be justified and for some, it could be the nail in the coffin for their farm businesses,” Mr Hosking said.

Mr Hosking said that while levies that fund fire services were critical, the existing broad-based tax was unfit for use and the Victorian government must urgently consider an alternative.

“Instead of placing a blanket levy on all property owners, the government should consider a more targeted approach that ensures the funds are distributed where they’re needed most, “Rural Victorians are already bearing the brunt of many challenges, from droughts to fires. This levy will add insult to injury, making it even harder for farmers to recover and thrive.

“The current approach certainly isn’t a solution that supports the needs of country Victorians and we’re urging the government to reassess its approach and explore more equitable solutions.”