Council
25 June, 2026
Ministers clash over ESVF
THE controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) was back on the agenda in Parliament last week, with one south west member igniting a war of words over the cost of the tax on farmers.
Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur clashed with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes in Parliament last Tuesday as she continued her push against the state government tax which has proven divisive in rural communities.
Mrs McArthur questioned why the Treasurer had not attended the recent ‘Scrap the Tax’ protest, held in Bendigo with hundreds of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers in attendance.
“As Treasurer, why didn’t you attend this rally to listen to the concerns about your tax raised in Bendigo, right in the heart of the Premier’s and your electorate?” she said.
Ms Symes said she was always happy to discuss the importance of the fund due to the increase in expenditure which will be allocated to emergency services.
“It is important to always listen to and engage with Victorians and, when it comes to the ESVF, ensure that we are continuing to tell people about the importance of this fund and what it provides for the Victorian community,” she said.
“Having a sustainable funding model is something that we must indeed continue to support.
“Mrs McArthur, we know that we are collecting around $1.5 billion in 2025–26 – forecast to collect slightly more next year.”
Ms Symes then said she had spoken to people in country Victoria who were “jack of being used as political pawns” to claims farmers and volunteers were paying more, referencing a two-year freeze on rate increases for farmers, capping the variable rate at 28.7 cents per $1000 of capital improved value, and an exemption threshold of $10 million for CFA and State Emergency Service volunteers.
“There are those out there saying that farmers are paying more when they are not, when they are out there saying volunteers are paying the tax and they are not,” she said.
“This is something where we will continue to talk to country Victoria.
“There are many, many volunteers out there that are jack of being politicised by those opposite.
“They are jack of being used as political pawns, when really all they want to do is turn up to their stations, hang out with their mates and support their communities, and they welcome the investment from the ESVF and support from the Labor Government.”
In response, Mrs McArthur questioned if the Treasurer had not been present at the Bendigo protest to avoid being seen with Premier Jacinta Allan, who currently holds the lowest approval rating among all state leaders amid rumours of a potential leadership spill.
“Well, I am sure they will all be very pleased to hear that you do not care anything about the fact that you have taxed them to the hilt and they are not exempt,” she said.
“So, did you not attend because you were too afraid to hear the feedback?
“Perhaps you were on the phone to your colleagues.
“Perhaps with her approval rating of negative 37 you did not want to be associated with the Premier.
“I cannot say I blame you, but Treasurer, why weren’t you there?”
As interjections flared, the President of the Legislative Council called for order – saying both sides of the chamber were “going a bit nuts” before allowing Mrs McArthur to finish her question.
“Treasurer, why won’t you listen to the thousands of CFA volunteers, farmers, unionists and community members who want this tax gone?” she said.
Ms Symes again took a jab at Mrs McArthur, saying she was being dishonest about how the tax is being applied.
“I am listening to Victorians every day, but what I promise to do is to be truthful to Victorians,” she said.
“I promise when it comes to the ESVF, I will continue to put out information that is accurate.
“I will continue to talk about the investments that are made possible because of this fund.
“I will continue to talk to farmers about the fact that they are not paying any more as a result of the ESVF.”
Mrs McArthur insisted farmers were paying more, which Ms Symes said could only be the result of error.
“Well, if they are, send them to me because there is obviously something quite wrong,” she said.
Interjections again disrupted proceedings.
“I am sorry, Mrs McArthur, that our side interrupted your Instagram script,” Ms Symes said.
“But what I will continue to do is talk to Victorians with accurate information.
“I am more than happy to provide the accurate information to you, Mrs McArthur, so you can also be truthful.”
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