Fire and Emergency Service Working Group to tackle the challenge for our future

The Tasmanian Government has heard loud and clear the concerns raised by Tasmanians in relation to its proposed fire levy models and will establish a working group to develop a new model that Tasmanians support.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said it is crucial we get reforms to the fire and emergency service levy right.

“We heard the concerns, and we are listening.

“I am grateful for the frank and fearless feedback raised by Tasmanians in relation to the fire and emergency service levy and will establish a working group to work together on a model that strikes the right balance for Tasmania.

“We have been clear from the get-go that we wanted to hear from Tasmanians and encouraged their feedback as part of the consultation,” Minister Ellis said.

“On Wednesday this week I met with business, industry, local government, unions and community leaders who attended a TFES Roundtable Forum.

“We are committed to continue listening and consulting.

“Stakeholders have been clear that they want reform to ensure Tasmania’s fire and emergency services are funded in a fair and sustainable way.

“The establishment of a working group will ensure that we can work together with stakeholders, and the community, to get it right and develop a model that is fair to households, fair to business, fair to our regions and also fair to our emergency services so they can save lives.

“We’ve been clear that this is not something we are going to rush – it will take time, and we are committed to getting it right.

“I look forward to working closely with stakeholders and the community as we design a way forward.”

The community consultation process will remain open until December 1, with all feedback considered as part of the development the draft Fire and Emergency Services Bill.