New State tax introduced, ESVF to appear on Annual Rates Notices

In summary:

Annual Rates Notices now include a new State Government tax, the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The new ESVF tax replaces the previous Fire Services Property Levy.
Council is legally required to collect this tax and send it to the State Government.
The ESVF is a compulsory tax, but some residents may be eligible for an exemption or concession.

The ESVF, which came into effect on 1 July 2025, is a State Government imposed tax that Council is legally required to collect from ratepayers on behalf of the State Government. This new tax replaces the former Fire Services Property Levy and expands funding to a broader range of emergency service agencies, including Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, State Control Centre and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Le Gassick, explained the implications for ratepayers.

“Council is legislated under the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Act 2012 to collect this tax on behalf of the State Government, which must be paid unless you’re eligible for an exemption or concession, such as Emergency Services Volunteers, primary producers, pensioners and veterans,” she said.

“The ESVF charge will be clearly itemised on this year’s rates notice, and residents may notice a change in the total amount payable. Council is required to make quarterly payments to the State Revenue Office for the ESVF. To do this, a portion of all payments collected from ratepayers is allocated to rates and ESVF charges.”

“It’s important to note that none of the funds collected through the ESVF are used for Council operations, the ESVF collected goes directly back to the state. Again, the ESVF is a compulsory state tax unless ratepayers are eligible for an exemption.”

If residents have any questions regarding their rates, the ESVF or are experiencing difficulties in paying their rates, charges and levies as shown on their rates notice, please contact Council immediately to discuss concerns and payment options. Phone Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au

To find out more about this State Government tax, visit the State Revenue Office website.