Today’s announcement by the Premier that the Victorian Government will extend its drought package to farmers statewide is an important acknowledgement for farmers north of Swifts Creek who are experiencing ongoing dry seasonal conditions.

We are pleased our calls for support for this part of our farming community have been heard, particularly after they were left out of drought-assistance packages only a week ago.

The Government today also confirmed it would pause the introduction of the flawed and unfair Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy on primary producers.

The ESVF variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year.

This is a significant acknowledgement that primary producers were going to be severely impacted by the ESVF tax. It's a sign the Government has listened and is taking some action to remove some immediate financial burdens from all primary producers.

For us, today’s announcement is step one in having the ESVF scrapped in its entirety.

Unfortunately, this temporary backdown from the Government does not reduce the ESVF levy burden on residential and commercial ratepayers.

Since December we have said the ESVF has been poorly considered and will have a major impact across our communities, who are doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures, a slow economy and the closing of the timber industry.

Let’s stick together and continue to fight for the best outcome for our community.

Read the Premier's media release.