Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has called for CFA volunteers to be provided with paper copies of the rebate application form for Labor’s $3 billion Emergency Services Tax.

Speaking in parliament, Ms Cleeland said the current online-only system was shutting out many local CFA members who either lacked reliable internet access or the digital literacy required to complete the complicated application.

“Many of our CFA volunteers are being asked to jump through unreasonable hoops just to access a rebate they were promised,” Ms Cleeland said.

“They should not have to battle red tape on top of their tireless service to our communities.”

Calling on both the Minister for Government Services and the Minister for Emergency Services, Ms Cleeland said the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund was already adding enormous financial pressure to people across the region.

“The government’s promise of a rebate has done little to ease the burden, with the convoluted application process leaving many frustrated and unable to claim the support they were entitled to,” Ms Cleeland said.

“CFA brigade leaders and administrators have also been left without the tools or guidance to support their members, compounding the difficulties faced by our dedicated volunteers.”

Ms Cleeland said despite the pain being caused by the increased tax, very little of the money was reaching emergency services.

“Compared to 2023/24, overall CFA funding is down $42 million,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Just $13.5 million statewide has been allocated for regional CFA station upgrades, and not a single new tanker is listed in the forward estimates.

“Meanwhile, Fire Rescue Victoria funding has been cut by $115 million, and the SES — which Labor repeatedly used to justify the tax — has been reduced by $8.4 million.

“This tax is more than happy to rip millions from our regional communities but is failing to actually benefit our emergency services in need desperate need of support.”

Ms Cleeland also pointed to the latest Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria survey, which showed more than 2,000 CFA volunteers felt undervalued and ignored by the state government.

“If this government is serious about supporting CFA volunteers, they need to act now and make this application process genuinely accessible,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Providing a simple, paper-based option is the very least this government can do.”