CFA volunteers and farmers protest over emergency services tax in Melbourne

Thousands of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and farmers marched on Melbourne today protesting the state government’s controversial new Emergency Services Property Levy (ESVF), which they claim unfairly burdens regional Victorians.

Melbourne’s CBD was awash with protesters and CFA fire trucks throughout the morning ahead of the announcement of the Victorian Government’s 2025/26 budget.

The levy, introduced by the Allan Government to replace the Fire Services Property Levy, is projected to raise $765 million annually, with property owners across the state facing increased charges.

Farmers have reported hikes of up to 150 per cent, while suburban homeowners and small businesses are also seeing higher bills.

The Victorian Government has defended the changes, describing the ESVF as a vital tool to fund frontline services amid worsening natural disasters.

“These changes will give emergency services the funding and equipment they need as they face natural disasters, which are happening more often and becoming more destructive,” a government spokesperson said.

“Every single dollar raised by this new fund will support our emergency services, helping them to keep communities safe year-round.”

But the protestors – many dressed in CFA uniforms and Akubras – say the tax is a cynical cost-shifting exercise that punishes those who volunteer their time to protect others.

Victoria’s Opposition Leader Brad Battin labelled the levy “a land tax by stealth,” pledging to scrap it if elected.

“This is not about emergency services – it’s about squeezing more cash from Victorians to pay for Labor’s budget blowouts,” Mr Battin said.

The Liberals and Nationals said they would reinstate the former Fire Services Property Levy, promising “fairer, simpler” funding and guaranteed support for CFA and SES volunteers.

Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said regional Victorians were being “hit hardest” by the tax during a cost-of-living crisis.

“This cruel tax deserves to be consigned to history,” he said.