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Publish date: 23 May 2025
At the May Ordinary Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council passed an urgent motion brought forward by Cr Alan Getley, formally opposing the Victorian Government’s newly legislated Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Cr Getley moved the motion under Urgent Business and expressed the significant disproportionate financial burden that the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund places on rural Victorians.
The motion that was moved by Cr Getley included:
That Buloke Shire Council write to the Victorian Premier the Hon Jacinta Allan, Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Vicki Ward MP & Treasurer the Hon Jaclyn Sykes MP condemning the introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy.
We ask that the Government reconsider the introduction of this levy and to take in to account the financial effect the levy will have on not only ratepayers but all residents of the Buloke Shire and the state.
Our small rural Shire is experiencing very difficult cost of living pressures, farmers suffering drought conditions and small businesses struggling, this levy will only increase the stress on our entire community.
We call on the State Government to exclude the Buloke Shire Council from administering or collecting the levy and this process to be handled by the state revenue office.
In debate, Cr Getley outlined the impact on Buloke residents and the burden that will be felt across our small rural communities. All Councillors in attendance spoke in favour of the motion and expressed their concerns for both the financial and mental strain that this Levy will carry.
View the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund FAQ's HERE
Media Enquiries:
For further information contact Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or email media@buloke.vic.gov.au