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Fsl Public Consultation Session To Be Held In Traralgon A public consultation meeting on the proposed Fire Services Levy (FSL) reforms will be held on Tuesday 18 October, 6pm at the Traralgon Football Club. By Russell Northe - 4th October 2011 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood will be holding the session to gain the insight of community members on concerns, ideas and queries on proposed changes to the FSL that will ultimately lead to a fairer and more equitable system.
Mr Northe said an increase in constituent and stakeholder enquiries on the FSL over a period of time had led to the proposal of a consultation session.
"As part of the Baillieu Coalition's Government's announced election commitment and in-line with the recommendation of the Bushfires Royal Commission to move to a fairer, more equitable property based fire services funding model to commence from 1 July 2012, we are currently seeking public comment with regards to the final design of the property based system. "Members from the Department of Treasury and Finance, and the Treasurer's office will be in attendance to provide advice and answer any queries."
Mr Blackwood said the implementation of a new FSL will be a fairer and more equitable way of funding fire services in Victoria.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to introducing a significant and long-overdue reform to ensure Victoria’s fire services are appropriately funded. "The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommended that ‘the State replace the Fire Services Levy with a property-based levy and introduce concessions for low-income earners’. "The Coalition Government will introduce a new levy that at long last ensures all Victorian property owners pay a fair contribution to the state’s fire services, while ensuring Victoria’s fire services continue to operate with sufficient resources."
Mr Northe said he is an advocate of a change to the FSL, as the current system encourages homeowners to under insure or not insure their homes at all. "Every Victorian understands the need to have well-funded fire fighting services and this public consultation is an important step in implementing this new approach for the benefit of all community members. "I encourage all interested community members to come along to the consultation and provide input on these FSL reforms."
Mr Northe also advised the Fire Services Property Levy Options Paper is available for members of the public to read prior to the forum, via http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/CA25713E0002EF43/pages/economic-and-financial-policy-fire-services-property-levy-options-paper
russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388
"Whilst submissions closed on 30 September, this paper provides information on the proposed options and these options will be at the centre of discussions."
The forum will be conducted at the Traralgon Football Club in Whittakers Road, Traralgon on Tuesday 18 October commencing at 6:00pm.
To register interest in attending, phone Russell Northe's office on (03) 5133 9088 before COB Friday 14 October.
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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