NSW Government to introduce new levy from July 1
As part of reforms to the fire and emergency services levy, NSW property owners are about to be hit with an extra $185, on average, in levy fees.
From July 1, 2017, the start of the new financial year, landowners will pay the new levy as part of their council rates. Currently, three-quarters of the annual $950 million cost of the emergency services is funded by tax imposed on insurance companies, which is passed on to customers via higher premiums. The rest is funded by the state and a tax on councils.
In a statement, Emergency New South Wales said the new system would make it fairer for everybody, as those who are insured will no longer be supporting those who are not insured. The new system will be charge all landowners in NSW with an annual levy.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "Fire does not discriminate and the community rightly expects that firefighting and SES services will be available to everyone in their time of need. It is also fair to expect all property owners to pay their share for these vital services.”
However, for those who currently hold home and contents insurance this could result in savings as insurers lower premiums. The state government estimates the savings could be about $47 a year.
From May 1, you will be able to calculate your required contribution on the Fire and Emergency Services Levy website.
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