General News
9 December, 2025
Victorian Government pauses ESVF rate increase for farmers amid backlash
Last week's budget update froze farmer's contribution to the ESVF at the lower rate for another two years due to dry weather conditions.
The Victorian Government has paused rate increases to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) for farmers for the next two years.
Changes to the controversial tax, which is intended to better fund emergency services, was included in the budget update tabled in parliament on Friday.
The ESVF has been controversial, particularly among farmers, with some facing increases of tens of thousands of dollars in their rates.
It’s been a prospect put on hold by the State Government who froze primary producer’s contribution at the former rate for 12-months earlier this year.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said this pause would be extended for a minimum of two financial years due to dry conditions across the state.
However, while she said this followed feedback from farmers, the Victorian Farmers Federation, and “loud voices” it wasn’t an admission of the tax’s failure.
“I make no apology to listening to those voices,” she said.
The maximum rebate for eligible emergency services volunteers will also increase with the cap on their farms rising from $5 million to $10 million on capital improved value.
Ms Symes said this was because farmers with high value properties haven’t been as productive due to the weather conditions.
Increases to investment properties will also be deferred by a year to July 1, 2027.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision.
“Farmers will be breathing a huge sigh of relief,” he said.
“Freezing the levy and increasing the exemption threshold acknowledges the massive pressure farmers have been under, particularly following years of drought and escalating operating costs.”
However, he said this cannot be the end of the conversation.
“A pause is great, but we need a permanent and fair and equitable funding model that reflects modern realities and doesn’t continue to load disproportionate costs onto property owners,” he said.
Central Goldfields Shire Council also welcomed the news.
“Council will continue to advocate alongside councils across Victoria to scrap the ESVF completely,” a council spokesperson said.
CFA Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said the latest changes to the ESVF don’t do enough.
“It’s a Band-Aid to be honest,” he said.
“At the end of the day they’re going to get belted by it.”
Mr Higgins said volunteers looking to apply for the rebate, despite being eligible, are struggling with their applications.
“The biggest complaints I get from CFA members is it’s just that hard to do,” he said.
“They’ve got to make it simple.”
The changes follow a year of community angst particularly among local CFA fire brigades.
In May, half the local brigades went offline joining hundreds across the state protesting the ESVF.
Local fire brigade volunteers told The Maryborough District Advertiser that they felt betrayed and frustrated by the legislation — many of whom were farmers.
“I’m devastated in the sense that some of my best mates are hurting, brigade volunteers, and some of these people may not survive,” Mr Higgins previously said.
“I don’t know how you recover from it.”