THE Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, will be touring the region next week to sit down with CFA and SES volunteers and discuss the impact of the proposed Emergency Services Tax.

Labor’s new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) is anticipated to increase the amount that all property owners pay towards the fire service levy by June 1, however the CFA and SES are set to receive just a fraction of the money it raises.

The pair will be holding meetings in Seymour, Euroa, and Benalla on Wednesday – with a major focus on the impact of the tax alongside any other concerns held by local volunteers.

“Many local volunteers have raised concerns about whether this new model will deliver the resourcing, equipment, and support that our brigades and units desperately need,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This meeting is an opportunity for our emergency service volunteers to share how the changes are affecting their units and brigades, and what they believe must be prioritised.

“We also welcome the chance to hear about any other issues – including volunteer recruitment and retention, equipment upgrades, or broader culture and communication concerns.

“We owe our volunteers more than gratitude; we owe them the resources to do their job safely and effectively.”

Anyone across the state can also share their concerns about the tax by visiting www.scrapthetax.com.au and sending a message directly to the treasurer.

Meeting Details

SES Unit Meeting: 9:30am-10:30am, Wednesday May 7 at the Seymour SES on Worrough Road.

CFA and SES Joint Meeting: 2pm-3pm, Wednesday May 7 at Euroa Memorial Hall on Kirkland Avenue.

CFA Brigade Meeting: 5:30pm-7:30pm, Wednesday May 7 at the Benalla CFA on Fawckner Drive.

To RSVP, please contact Ms Cleeland’s office at annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au or call 03 5762 1600.