维多利亚州志愿应急单位收到意外利率账单,并征收州税,尽管补贴在增加,但引发了对公平问题的担忧。 Victorian volunteer emergency units received unexpected rates bills with a state levy, sparking fairness concerns despite subsidies rising.

2025年底,波特兰州、沃纳博尔州、海伍德州和达特莫州的几个维多利亚州国家应急服务单位收到了意外的委员会费率法案,包括州紧急服务志愿者基金税,引发了对向志愿者单位收费是否公平性的批评。 In late 2025, several Victorian State Emergency Service units in Portland, Warrnambool, Heywood, and Dartmoor received unexpected council rates bills including the state’s Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy, sparking criticism over the fairness of charging volunteer units. 至少有7个单位受到影响,法案金额高达311.77美元,尽管它们在救灾工作中具有非营利地位和作用。 At least seven units were affected, with bills up to $311.77, despite their non-profit status and role in disaster response. 南西海岸议员Roma Britnell将指控称为惩罚性,而紧急服务部长Vicki Ward拒绝承担责任,向财务主任提问。 South West Coast MP Roma Britnell called the charges punitive, while Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward declined to take responsibility, directing questions to the Treasurer. VICSS建议受影响的单位在寻求审查时支付账单,同时指出,虽然资金正在再投资,但各设施并没有放弃征税,补贴从3862万美元增加到2025-26年的55.68亿美元,已经分配了424.8万美元。 VICSES advised affected units to pay the bills while seeking review, noting the levy is not waived for facilities, though funds are being reinvested—subsidies rose from $3.862 million to $5.568 million in 2025–26, with $4.248 million already distributed.