by Emma Ballingall

A protest rally and Baw Baw Shire decision to reject the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund were among the many protests that forced the State Government's backdown on Friday.

Councillors called on the community to stand united, be loud and voice their disapproval for the levy. Their voices were heard.
Before Friday's flip by the government, councillors unanimously opposed the ESVF in front of a gallery estimated at 250 people who rallied before Wednesday's council meeting.
The battle cry "axe the tax" was voiced from both councillors and speakers as the levy was described as "deeply flawed," "plain robbery," "deeply immoral" and "bullshit."
Appreciative applause greeted each speaker from the public gallery, which was filled by 80 people well before the start of the meeting. Proceedings were broadcast to those standing outside.
Cr Ben Lucas tabled a motion that council write to the State Government to oppose the levy and advocate for a 12-month deferral to enable a more equitable solution with community consultation.
Cr Lucas begged politicians to "have some heart" and rescind its decision.
Revealing impacts on local farmers, he said "I just can't believe they are going through with this."
Cr Adam Sheehan strongly stated "we will do everything within our power to put a stop to it" and "stand up to the bullies like the Allan Labor Government."
"We need your help, we need your voice" he pleaded to the community.
A former Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter, Cr Sheehan said he had stood shoulder to shoulder with CFA and SES volunteers who are farmers, small business owners, sporting coaches, teachers and family members.
"It sickens me to see them used as political fodder," he said. "The time they graciously give up for us is now just something else that the state government has chosen to put a price on."
Cr Kate Wilson said the levy would collect $14 million from Baw Baw Shire in 2025/26 but "we have no assurance one cent will come back to our community or services.
Cr Wilson said the State Government was investing in mental health support for farmers but, at the same time, passing legislation to worsen financial pressures.
"So what is it State Government, do we care about our community or just about filling the coffers to cover up the mismanagement of the public purse?" she asked. "Expecting our farmers to pay tens of thousands of dollars more is just unacceptable."
Cr Brendan Kingwill said small business in Baw Baw would be paying the levy via their property, business and lack of customers coming through the door.
Cr Kingwill said businesses were already reporting a 30 per cent downturn, and, when this last occurred, JobKeeper kicked in.
In Gippsland, he said the coal, gas, timber and tourist industries had come "under attack" and now it was farming.
"Without us, the economy and the state will collapse," he warned. "We need to stand up, we need to be a voice."
Cr Suzanne Allen said a levy to properly resource emergency services "all sounds lovely" but would place an unfair and unequitable burden on rural landholders, particularly farmers already under financial and emotional strain.
"This is not a fair system," Cr Allen said. "It's a top-down policy that ignores the realities of rural life."
Cr Paul Pratt said there was no question volunteer emergency services needed secure funding. However, he declared the "bullshit" ESVF - almost a 60 per cent increase on the current fire services levy - an unfair tax on regional Victorians.
"To see another $14 million fly out of our shire into the state coffers...it's just plain robbery," Cr Pratt said.
"We will no longer stand here in silence. Instead, as you see, we will do what good country people do and we'll make a stand and fight for what we know is fair and equitable."
Cr Tricia Jones, chairing the meeting and allowing councillors unlimited time to speak, was clearly emotional as the vote was made. She later wiped away tears during an adjournment.
"Wow, you guys have blown me away," Cr Jones told councillors. "I'm so proud of you."
Cr Lucas called for a division. All - with the exception of Cr Danny Goss who wasn't in attendance due to suspension - voted to formally oppose the ESVF.