When sirens echo through Victoria’s rural landscapes, CFA and VicSES volunteers answer the call—regardless of recognition or reward. Yet many of these volunteer heroes are excluded from the Allan Government’s Emergency Services Property Levy (now ESVF) rebate simply because their names do not appear on the land’s rate notice
If proving a “qualifying ownership interest”—via share certificates or trust documentation—is not possible, such volunteers may be ineligible, even when the land they help to farm exceeds the $5 million capital improved value threshold. Families like Brad and Fiona Marson illustrate the issue: despite their active service, their farm sits in Fiona’s parents’ name, excluding both from the rebate.
Premier Jacinta Allan has asserted that all emergency services volunteers will be exempt from the levy, but real-world implementation—with its jargon-heavy eligibility process—says otherwise
With the tax potentially affecting both farm and non-farm properties—where non-farming volunteers owning businesses in town may face liabilities as high as $6,925—the consequences are stark
This policy not only undermines volunteer morale but also erects unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. At a time when reassurance and clarity are vital, rural communities deserve fair treatment and tangible support.
We call on the Victorian Government to:
Extend support beyond rhetoric—equitably treat farming families who give so much
Honor its pledge by ensuring all CFA and VicSES volunteers are eligible for the rebate—regardless of land ownership arrangements
Simplify the application process: remove legal hurdles and make eligibility clear
For the detailed coverage and full context of the issue, see the original article: “Emergency services tax rebate: CFA and VicSES volunteers miss out” at Weekly Times Now