HOUSEHOLDS will receive a reprieve from their Emergency Service Levy (ESL) bills as the Marshall Government puts $360m back into the pockets of South Australians over the next four years.
The property-based charge, which funds the provision of the state’s emergency services, will be slashed by $90m per year under the Liberal State Government.
While unable to provide an estimate for regional areas, Treasurer Rob Lucas said metropolitan properties valued at the median price of $470,000 would receive a $144 saving on their ESL bill in 2018/19.
“Whatever the individual number, a $90m reduction per year will mean there will be a very significant benefit for all families, including families in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“The savings means families will have more money to spend on goods and services, hopefully in the region, which will boost the economy.
“It is important to remember the ESL funds our emergency services in South Australia and I’m also pleased these vital services will receive significant funding to undertake the crucial work they do to keep our community safe.”
Mr Lucas said the total expenditure on emergency services was projected to be $318.4m in 2018/19, up from an estimated $302.9m in 2017/18.
He said the increase excluded the cost of election commitments, but said those costs would be funded outside the rate setting process to remove any impact on ESL bills.
In 2004, the Labor State Government removed a general discount provided on the levy, directing approximately $90m to the health system in response to Federal Government cuts.
“Mr Koutsantonis will never live down his outrageous hikes to the ESL and the Marshall Government is now delivering on our promised relief for households,” Mr Lucas said.
“We will remind South Australians about Labor’s appalling record in government and we are making good on our election commitment to put $90m per year back into the pockets of South Australians.”
