Fire services levy abolition long overdue
27 August 2010
The Victorian Government's announcement today that it will abolish the fire services levy was a long overdue reform, according to the law firm that represented the Insurance Council of Australia at the recent 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission.
Allens Arthur Robinson has acted for the Insurance Council since the mid-1980s in its campaign to have the fire services levy on insurance removed across Australia.
Following upon the strong recommendation of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission after some initial hesitation, the Victorian Government announced today that it will replace this levy with a property-based charge by 1 July 2012.
Allens Partner John Morgan said today's announcement means that the fire services levy had now been abolished in all major states other than New South Wales.
'It's been a very, very long campaign,' Mr Morgan said.
'The insurance industry has long argued that the fire services levy is not a fair and sustainable tax. Not everyone takes out insurance and many may be underinsured. As property insurance covers many risks it does not necessarily apportion fire risk equitably.'
Mr Morgan and Melbourne Partner Andrew Maher represented the Insurance Council in the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission, where they argued for the abolition of the fire services levy. This abolition was Recommendation 64 in the Royal Commission's report.
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For further information, please contact:
- Jason SilveriiCorporate Communications Manager,
Melbourne
Ph: +61 3 9613 8014
Jason.Silverii@aar.com.au
Notes for editors.
Allens Arthur Robinson has staff in 14 cities and eight countries across the Asia Pacific.
