NSW Government to increase funding for council emergency services levy

The NSW Government has announced it would fund the increase in the emergency services levy for NSW councils this financial year to meet the cost of new workers’ compensation for firefighters.

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the State’s 128 councils would not have to pay the additional $13.6 million this financial year.

They said the NSW Government was doing this primarily to take the strain off of regional and rural areas badly affected by the drought.

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said firefighters risk their lives to keep the people of NSW safe every day and it’s important they receive the full support of the communities they serve.

“The new laws enable eligible firefighters diagnosed with one of 12 cancers to automatically be presumed to have acquired that cancer because of their firefighting work,” Mr Elliott said.

“These changes will ensure current and former firefighters – both volunteer and paid – who need care and support receive their entitlements immediately.”

Mrs Hancock said the Government will continue to support local councils to deliver for their local communities.