South Australian Government announces increase in Emergency Services Levy in wake of bushfires
The State Government has announced a “modest” increase in the emergency services levy for the average household after the devastating effects of SA’s bushfires.
SA News
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The average SA household will pay nearly $7 more for the emergency services levy next financial year, due to increased expenditure in the wake of the devastating summer bushfires.
Treasurer Rob Lucas announced the yearly bill will increase by $6.95 – from $129.80 to $136.75 – for the average home.
“Almost $20 million of additional expenditure last year has reduced the capacity for us to further limit ESL bills,” he said.
“So, there will be a modest increase to ESL bills for the average household of $6.95 – that’s for the median household of a $480,000 house in SA.”
The ESL is a levy on all real estate and some vehicles used to fund all emergency services across SA.
Mr Lucas said the State Government is planning to purchase new appliances for the CFS and MFS, as well as improving safety equipment and fitting trucks with new tracking systems.
“We’re pleased these vital services will receive significant funding to support their ongoing, lifesaving work.”
In a press release today, however, Mr Lucas revealed the total budget allocation for emergency services next financial year is estimated to be $5.6 million lower than 2019-20.
Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas slammed the government for the “dramatic” increase, which he says is more than twice the rate of inflation.
“We’ve got a struggling economy and (Premier) Steven Marshall has decided to increase ESL,” he said.
“That simply makes no economic sense whatsoever.
“This constitutes a pretty substantial broken promise on behalf of Steven Marshall, who once said he was committed to reducing ESL in South Australia.”
The ESL increase follows calls from CFS chief Mark Jones for more funding on safety equipment in the government’s next budget.
“The best recognition any firefighter can get is to be given the best safety and firefighting equipment, reliable vehicles … great training and reliable communications,” Mr Jones said earlier this month.