Hundreds of regional firefighters rally against levy in Bendigo (opens original article in a new tab)

Hundreds of regional Victorian firefighters protested in Bendigo against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, citing financial pressures and inadequate government support for volunteer services.

• Hundreds of regional Victorian firefighters protested against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy in Bendigo.
• The levy, which raises funds for emergency services, has caused financial strain on farmers and volunteers, with some facing potential increases of tens of thousands of dollars.
• Protesters criticized the Victorian government for mismanaging finances and not adequately supporting volunteer fire services.