The Victorian Allan Labor government has performed a significant U-turn on its proposed new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy, following significant backlash from hundreds of farmers and firefighters.

The protests, which took place on the steps of parliament, successfully pressured the government into abandoning its initial plan for a new tax on primary producers. Instead, a temporary compromise has been reached.

The key concession? For the 2025-26 financial year, primary producers in 24 Victorian councils will face a capped levy. This cap ensures that farmers will pay no more than they did in the 2024-25 financial year.

Initially announced on May 30th, the ESVF was intended to replace the existing Fire Services Property Levy from July 1st, 2025. The government had presented it as a more equitable funding mechanism for vital emergency services, including fire rescue, the State Emergency Service, and triple zero (000) services.

While the government has avoided implementing the new levy structure for now, the long-term implications and future plans for funding emergency services remain unclear.