Labor Leader Bryan Green today called on Emergency Services Minister Rene Hidding to come clean on why Tasmanian ratepayers are facing big increases in the State Fire Levy.
“The Liberals are putting the community at risk because of budget cuts to the Tasmanian Fire Service and the fire levy should not be used to make up the shortfall,” Mr Green said.
“What makes matters worse is that the TFS now also has to fund the State Emergency Service from its own budget.
“Labor is concerned the TFS has had no alternative but to increase the fire levy to offset cuts to its budget and the added responsibility of running the SES which was previously funded from consolidated revenue though Tasmania Police.
“Mr Hidding needs to be honest with Tasmanians.
“The Liberals are being tricky and increasing taxes by stealth.
“Councils are now finalising their budgets after being notified of the increase in the fire levy.”
Mr Green called on Mr Hidding to provide a complete breakdown of the charges and the increase in the fire levy being demanded from all Tasmanian councils.
“It is simply not good enough for Mr Hidding to wash his hands of the impact the Liberal Government’s budget cuts are having on the Tasmanian Fire Service.
“Tasmanians also need to understand what it will cost them in increased charges to offset these cuts.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
