VFF wants fire service levy scrapped

THE Victorian Farmers Federation wants a fire services model based on people’s buildings and motor vehicle registrations, not the size of a property.The VFF has called on the state government to release an interim paper outlining the government’s preferred model for funding the fire services, and an impact analysis.VFF farm business and regional development chairman Peter Tuohey, a Pyramid Hill farmer, said Victorian farmers had a strong interest in the fire services model.“We have been calling for the removal of the fire service property levy from insurance for over ten years and we want to make sure the new model does not disadvantage farmers,’’ he said.“The VFF model is to fund fire services with a charge on building asset value and a small charge on motor vehicles registrations. This is the fairest option to fund the fire services and reflects the property protected.’’Mr Tuohey said the government needed to give Victorians the opportunity to comment on the preferred model before legislation was released.“Changing the funding model for fire services is a major reform and there should be an interim paper released with the preferred model,’’ he said.“The process outlined in the options paper does not include an interim report, but the VFF strongly believe this would be appropriate. An interim report should outline the details of the preferred model and include an analysis on the impacts of the new model on all Victorian residents.’’Treasurer Kim Wells announced on Monday a second stage of public consultation for a new property-based fire services levy.Mr Wells said the state government was implementing the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendation that the government replace the levy with a property-based levy and introduce concessions for low-income earners.The government will hold a series of forums across Victoria, including in Bendigo on November 16, that will enable interested people to discuss the consultation paper options and provide feedback directly, rather than by written submission.Legislation is planned to be introduced early next year, with a transition period to start in July 2012 to allow insurers to phase out the existing insurance-based levy prior to full implementation from July 1, 2013.More country in today's Bendigo Advertiser.