The NSW Emergency Services Levy has been under heavy scrutiny since the NSW Government postponed the transition to a property based tax in 2017. Since then, the contribution amount set by the Government has continued to increase, resulting in NSW paying some of the highest premiums in Australia, behind Far North Queensland. This year alone, policyholders in NSW will contribute over $1.1 billion to fund the fire and emergency services.
In response to feedback from our members NIBA has created the New South Wales ESL Hub.
On the Hub members can access resources to help their clients understand the levy and its impacts on insurance affordability.
One of the resources is a fact sheet that explains how the ESL works, and the impact that it has on property insurance premiums. We also explain why the levy is totally unfair and inequitable.
The NSW ESL fact sheet is attached for ease of reference. NIBA encourages members to share this information with their clients.
Members and their clients will also be able to access a template letter, which NIBA encourages all members to download and send to their local State MP. NIBA has provided State MP contact details for this purpose.
Insurance affordability is an issue that affects all of us, together we can ensure that our voice to government is heard.