WITHOUT a doubt the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy is a game changer for all involved, and the ire expressed on the steps of Parliament House this month by thousands of farmers, CFA volunteers, and other representatives from across the state is significant.
From a backbench revolt in her own party which gleaned a discount of – wait for it – $150 a year for those who will be paying up to $5000 or more, to a crossbench for whom we can only wonder what they have been promised to allow the bill to pass, there is enough fuel in Jacinta Allan's levy tinder box for outrage across the state.
Understandably, that rage is now happening and cannot be ignored by anyone given the masses that have assembled on Spring Street in the last two weeks, where this masthead spoke with many at both rallies to see the same song sheet being passed around in a message that aims well.
However, one message is not getting through that needs to be understood is that this is not a council tax.
It is not imposed by council, and to our knowledge not supported by any Victorian council, certainly not Mansfield Shire Council, nor the peak council representative body, the MAV.
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And more importantly it is rendering councils powerless, as the Victorian Treasurer and Premier force all councils in the state to be their tax collectors.
This masthead supports every resident of the shire, every business, and of course every primary producer in opposing this levy.
It also supports the shire council because the council is rooting for us all.
Take your beef directly to Spring Street through the office of our state member in Cindy McLeish who can direct you.
Don’t bring the beef down to the council chambers on Highett Street and pick a fight at the counter – those at the desk are on your side.
