Eastern Victoria Region
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:43): (1403) My constituency question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Constituents are highly frustrated that the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will overwhelmingly be channelled to core state government services that should be funded directly through budget allocation. Labor’s rebadged ESVF, with its flagged and marked increase, has my residents in Eastern Victoria highly concerned that, in addition to our wonderful and woefully underfunded CFA and SES, volunteer organisations such as coast guard, St John Ambulance and Surf Life Saving Victoria should be included. Recently I spoke with members of the Heyfield CFA, the Leongatha SES and Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club. Will the minister commit to ensuring that all emergency service volunteers receive the majority and their fair share of this fund and have a levy exemption for their homes, recognising their invaluable contribution to our community?