NATIONAL Party leader Danny O’Brien wants any emergency service levy to only fund the Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Services.
Mr O’Brien told the Loddon Herald on Tuesday that other agencies proposed to be support under a new State Government tax should continue to funded through existing revenue.
And he wants transparency measures included in any legislation. Mr O’Brien said he believed crossbenchers would back moves to know where and how money was spent. 
“We’re happy to have the SES funded but delete the rest,” he said.
The Nationals have launched a Scrap the Tax campaign against the new hit that will replace the fire services levy.
Mr O’Brien said: “he tax hits households and businesses, with farmers copping a 189 per cent rise on the amount paid under the former fire services levy. “There is no guarantee the extra money will go to the frontline emergency workers who deserve it. It will be used to prop up back room city staff.”
Meanwhile, rising property valuations in Loddon Shire have forced councillors to give CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald new powers to handover more than $1.5 million in fire services levies to the State Government next month.
They had to lift the delegated power limit from $1.2 million for the third quarter tax to be paid.
 “Due to an increase in property valuations subsequently increasing the variable component of the levy as well as an increase in ratepayers paying their rates in full for the 2024-2025 rating year, the quarter three payment of $1,529,726.68 (excluding GST) to the State Revenue Office exceeds the CEO’s delegation,” said corporate director Michelle Stedman.
The decision comes as councillors continue to voice opposition to the Government’s proposed new emergency services levy that will force Loddon Shire to almost double the tax hit on ratepayers, potentially handing $10 million to the Government next year.
Legislation on the new tax is expected to be debated in Parliament next month.