By Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari

I was disappointed to learn the Legislation for the State Government's controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) had passed parliament.

I know my fellow councillors share this disappointment along with our community. Particularly our farming community who will be disproportionately affected by this levy. They’re the heart and soul of our small rural CFA and SES stations, passionately volunteering their time to protect the community they love.

Our council has actively advocated against the State Government's ESVF, raising concerns about its potential financial impact on local communities and the administrative burden it places on councils.

Now, I know many of you are going to say, “just don’t pay it”, trust me, we explored it. But councils right across the state have come together with a united voice. We are in this fight together, standing up for the communities we serve.

In April, council passed a motion demanding greater transparency and fairness in the rollout of the new levy, calling for detailed information on implementation, local reinvestment, and support for those unable to afford the levy. A comprehensive report addressing these concerns will be presented at the council meeting this Wednesday.

Council’s role as a State tax collector is inefficient, burdensome, and reputationally risky. Council continues to call for a revised model where the State Government, through the State Revenue Office, assumes responsibility for collection and delivery.

When there is something proposed by a State or Federal Government that we think will hurt the local community we will also fight hard to get it changed, as we are currently doing with the state’s ESVF.

One of council’s most important jobs is to speak up for our community and make sure Bass Coast gets its fair share of funding and support. That’s why the Mayor and I regularly meet with decision makers in Canberra, to build strong relationships and push for the things our growing community needs.

After a real nail-biter of a count, I would also like to extend my congratulations new Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred. We’re looking forward to working with her on the stuff that really matters for Bass Coast.

With the Albanese Government re-elected, the Mayor and I will keep doing what we’ve been doing: building relationships and making sure the needs of our patch are front and centre.

In my role as Deputy Chair of Peri Urban Councils Victoria, and through the Mayor’s roles as Deputy Chair of One Gippsland and Regional Board Director for the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) representing Gippsland, we’ve got a strong seat at the table to make sure Bass Coast’s voice is heard at the state and federal level.