Politics

Ratepayers from across Bass Coast came together last Tuesday night to express their disappointment at the State Government's Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund.

The rally was held at the Wonthaggi Workmen's Club.

At the meeting, many expressed shock and anger after recently receiving their latest rates notice that included a new State Government tax.

A spokesperson for Not in our Name – a community alliance against the tax which hosted the event – said farmers, businesses and households had been hit hard by the tax during a cost-of-living crisis.

"The new tax is costing some ratepayers thousands of dollars and next year farmers will be hit with much more," they said.

Community members were joined by farmers from Yanakie, CFA Volunteers from Fish Creek and councillors from shires such as Baw Baw, Cardinia and even Shepparton.

Seven councillors attended from Baw Baw Shire to express their support for the Bass Coast community and express their concern at the impact the tax will have on both shires.

"The new tax will see millions of dollars taken out of the local community and redirected to Spring Street," said the Not in our Name spokesperson.

"Councils have been made responsible for collecting the tax and will incur the cost whether ratepayers can afford to pay the levy or not."

People attending the forum heard from The Shadow Minister for Local Government and Government Scrutiny Bev McArthur, the Leader of The Nationals Danny O'Brien, Renee Heath MP (Member for Eastern Victoria), Wayne Farnham MP (Member for Narracan), Nathan Murphy (Not in our Name) and Graham Wood and Faye Tuchtan from the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Some locals said they would refuse to pay the tax, describing it as "unfair and unwarranted", particularly during a cost-of-living crisis.

Small business owners said it may be the last straw that makes them consider whether continuing to trade is financially viable."Farmers in attendance are particularly concerned when the moratorium for them is lifted next year, they simply will not be able to continue given increasing costs at a time of drought," the Not in our Name spokesperson said.

"The overriding sentiment from those in attendance was they live in the government's most marginal seat and a message will be sent at next year's state election should the government refuse to pause this tax and initiate a public inquiry into creating a fairer and more sustainable model."

A further rally is planned in Pakenham.

"There was a commitment from all in attendance that a message will be sent using all avenues available to say, 'enough is enough'. The government cannot keep punishing our community for its financial mismanagement."