WENDY TUCKERMAN: Government assists Goulburn electorate Councils to pay Emergency Services Levy incr…

Official Media Release from the Office of Wendy Tuckerman Tuesday, 13 August 2019

The NSW Government will fund the increase in the emergency services levy for Councils in the Goulburn electorate to meet the cost of new workers’ compensation for firefighters, Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said today.

Mrs Tuckerman said Councils in the Goulburn electorate would receive almost $500,000 combined to assist them to pay the increase in the emergency services levy this financial year to help support firefighters with cancer.

“The Government acknowledges that this additional cost presented some challenges for our local councils,” she said.

“We also acknowledge that our local councils had already set their 2019-20 Budgets before the invoices for the increased emergency services levy were issued and this has caused some angst.

“That’s why the Government will provide council with funding this financial year to alleviate the immediate pressure on our local council/s.

“I am pleased that our councils are receiving this financial contribution which will help keep their 2019-20 Budget in check.”

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Government would provide $13.6 million to the State’s 128 councils to assist pay the increase in the emergency services levy to help fund workers’ compensation for firefighters.

“Our emergency services have long been funded through a cost sharing arrangement between insurers, councils and the Government and it’s important that this continues to ensure we look after the health and wellbeing of our front line firefighters,” Mrs Hancock said.

“We have listened to the concerns of local councils and will continue to consult with them to better manage the impacts of the emergency services levy especially on their annual budgeting cycles.

“It is clear that both State and local governments acknowledge the importance of providing support for those emergency services workers who have given so much to protect communities and I look forward to continuing to work with local councils to ensure this is the case.”

22 August 2019

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