General News
19 September, 2025
Firies vow fight against tax through to election
VOLUNTEER firefighters vowed to take their battle against the State Government’s controversial emergency services tax through to the next election.
VOLUNTEER firefighters vowed to take their battle against the State Government’s controversial emergency services tax through to the next election.
An estimated 1000 volunteers and supporters rallied against the tax in Bendigo on Sunday and later drove a convoy of fire trucks and tractors through the centre of the the city.
CFA members from St Arnaud Group were among a strong district contingent and included Charlton brigade captain Craig Walsh.
The protest was organised by the CFA Volunteers Group. Secretary Leigh Harry told protesters they were sending a clear message to the Government that the tax was unfair and volunteers wanted a fairer solution.
He urged people to strand tall, raise their voices and “determine the future we want”.
The Government has forced local councils to collect the tax that has been added to rate notices sent out last month.
Speakers at the rally, the latest in a series organisers say will con tinue through to November 2026 in more country areas, were greeted with constant calls from the crowd to “scrap the tax”.