Labor needs to educate themselves on the Tasmanian Fire Service funding

The frequency of fires, floods and storms is increasing, meaning the risks to property and life are increasing. As we saw last weekend, when disasters strike, our fire and emergency services are there for us, and many of these people are volunteers.

That is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is acting on the findings of multiple independent reviews to establish a simple, fair and sustainable funding model to support our emergency services to keep Tasmanians safe.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said Labor, despite having had access to the same reports and recommendations for years, has again shown all they can muster are dodgy scare campaigns.

“Labor has taken no time to inform themselves of the proposal and are reverting to type by trying to deceive Tasmanians,” Minister Ellis said.

Fact 1 – there is no new levy being proposed. For years now Tasmanians have paid three fire service levies, and the Rockliff Liberal Government is proposing to abolish one levy entirely and reform the remaining two.

Fact 2 – the property levy has always been collected by Councils through rates notices. There is no proposal to change this.

Fact 3 – there are currently more than 29 different rates and multiple levies for households and businesses across Tasmania. The proposal will better equalise rates across the State to make it fair.

Fact 4 – the average property in Latrobe will not pay $500 extra for the levy as Labor has claimed. As outlined in the Options Paper, an average household is proposed to pay a total of $180 under Option 1, or $108 under Option 2. Both rates are less than what many North West households pay currently.

Fact 5 – some businesses have avoided paying the insurance levy by not taking out insurance or buying from an overseas company. It is unfair and anti-competitive to only charge a fire levy to businesses that take out insurance when it is a service we all need and rely upon.

Fact 6 – multiple reviews, including a parliamentary committee, have recommended these fairer changes.

“Our Government is acting to ensure lives and property can be protected into the future," Minister Ellis said.

"No decisions have been made and we will do what’s in the best interests of all Tasmanians.

“A dedicated engagement session was held with councils last week to discuss TFES and this engagement will be ongoing.

“I have also spoken with many Mayors directly to discuss challenges and opportunities as part of these reforms, and I remain committed to this ongoing conversation.

"The model must be fair to households, fair to businesses, fair to our regions, and importantly – fund our emergency services to save lives.

“We know that finalising the best model will take time, consultation and consideration. We will continue to do that."

Submissions close 5 November. More information is available at: www.fire.tas.gov.au/reform.