Council
18 June, 2025
McArthur seeks answers on contested fire levy
THE Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) local government hearing recently left more questions than answers for some members of Parliament regarding the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
Western District Newspapers understands Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur contacted Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos in a letter voicing her concerns regarding his alleged “ducking and diving” of questions relating to the ESVF.
“I enthusiastically took my seat for your highly anticipated debut performance at the PAEC local government hearing,” Mrs McArthur wrote.
“However, my lofty enthusiasm gave way to deep disappointment as you arrogantly ducked and dived, declaring that forcing councils to collect this tax is not your responsibility.
“I hate to break it to you – it absolutely is your responsibility. You’re the Local Government Minister.
“It’s the number one issue councils across the state raise with me and Victorians expect you to front up and answer the tough questions, not run for cover.
“Having served on the PAEC for two years, I have seen my fair share of political gamesmanship from your Labor colleagues, but your evasive, dismissive and borderline disingenuous responses truly top the charts.”
Mrs McArthur sent through a number of questions to Minister Staikos pertaining to the ESVF, including whether the State Government will fund councils to “chase down” ratepayers who can’t or won’t pay this tax and what penalties they will impose on councils who refuse to collect the ESVF.
She also asked if the State Government will reimburse councils for debt collection and exactly how much more will be extracted from the local economies of Victoria’s 79 municipalities because of this tax.
Western District Newspapers contacted the office of Minister Staikos offering the opportunity for comment.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said all money raised through the fund would go back to emergency services as legislated and council would continue to collect the levy.
“We are making sure our emergency services have the sustainable funding and equipment they need to keep Victorians safe and to recover from bushfires, floods and storms,” the spokesperson said.
“This levy – introduced originally by a Liberal/National Government – has been collected by local councils for years.
“It is collected in the rates notices that councils already send out annually.
“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery.”
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