UPDATE: An overwhelming wave of anger is surging through the community of Wonthaggi, Victoria, as nearly 200 locals, including Cardinia Shire Cr Trudi Paton, rallied against the State Government’s new emergency services tax. The urgent ‘Not In Our Name’ rally, held at the Workmen’s Club, showcased the community’s discontent over what many perceive as an unfair financial burden imposed by the Allan Government.
Participants voiced their frustration, with representatives from the United Firefighters Union, including Meg Edwards and Nathan Murphy, playing a pivotal role in organizing the event. The rally brought together farmers, volunteers, councillors, and MPs, all united by a singular message: this tax must be abolished.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Bev McArthur and Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath were among the prominent speakers at the event. Heath emphasized that “Regional Victoria is furious,” highlighting the unmistakable mood in the room. “The emergency services and volunteer levy will impact every single Victorian, but it will disproportionately affect farmers and volunteers,” she stated, addressing the urgent need for the government to reconsider its approach.
The rally underscored a growing sentiment that the people of Gippsland feel neglected and targeted. “Victorians are being bled dry by this government, and it’s not fair,” McArthur warned, indicating that more rallies could follow if the government continues to ignore the outcry.
Local farmer Graham Wood passionately articulated the stakes, describing the tax as a direct threat to the soil that supports their livelihoods. “This is a tax on your assets, not on your income,” he proclaimed, stressing that the levy is calculated based on the capital improved value of land, equating it to a tax on the very essence of farming.
In response to the growing concern, Cr Paton announced the formation of a working party comprising 12 councillors dedicated to addressing the levy. They plan to present a formal submission to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to demand that the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) be a key topic at their conference in October.
The next rally is scheduled for September 16, 2023, at Pakenham Community Hall, with confirmed speakers including McArthur, MP David Limbrick, and Heath. The lineup may also feature notable figures such as Leader of Opposition Brad Battin and Russell Broadbent, promising to keep the momentum going in this critical fight against the controversial tax.
As tensions rise, the community remains resolute in their demand for fair treatment from the government. The upcoming rally will be a crucial opportunity for locals to express their collective concerns and push for change. This is not just a financial issue; it is a matter of the very survival of regional communities across Victoria.
