he Marshall Government is delivering on its commitment to slash ESL bills for South Australians by putting $90 million a year back into the pockets of families, with an average household set to save more than 50 per cent or $163 in 2019-20 compared with the policy under the former Labor government.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the upcoming State Budget had “locked and loaded” the promised $360 million in ESL savings over the forward estimates – in stark contrast to the massive bill hikes South Australians endured under Labor.
“We promised we’d slash ESL bills for South Australian households and families and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” said Mr Lucas.
“Our commitment is absolutely locked and loaded. It will be there in black and white in budget papers on June 18 and in letterboxes and online as the bills arrive later this year, in what will provide welcome cost-of-living relief for families and a constant reminder of the stark contrast between a Marshall Liberal Government and the higher bills of Mr Malinauskas and co.”
“Households with a property valued at the median price of $480,000 in the metropolitan area will receive a $163.05 saving on their ESL bill in 2019-20, compared with what they would have paid under the former Labor administration.
“There will be a modest $4.20 increase on their average bill compared with last year (based on the same median priced property) – from $126 to $130.20 – due to increased expenditure on emergency services initiatives.”
Mr Lucas said the ESL funded important emergency services in SA and $1.6 million of the additional $4.7 million estimated to be collected in 2019-20 would go towards supporting the Metropolitan Fire Service with medical testing of firefighters and remediation of appliances and sites that have been exposed to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a chemical found in firefighting foam.
The Largs North fire station remains temporarily closed following elevated levels of the potentially toxic PFAS compounds in the blood of local firefighters and at the station.
“We’re pleased these vital services will receive significant funding to undertake the crucial work they do to keep our community safe,” said Mr Lucas.
Total expenditure on emergency services is projected to be $326 million in 2019-20, up from an estimated $324.3 million in 2018-19. ESL receipts for 2018-19 are expected to be $3.3 million above original expectations mainly due to additional revenue received for prior year liabilities and stronger-than-expected capital value growth.
The Parliament’s Economic and Finance Committee will today be provided a report in accordance with the Emergency Services Funding Act 1998, which outlines the determinations in respect of the amount that needs to be raised by means of the levy on land to fund emergency services and proposed ESL rate settings in 2019-20.
In 2019-20, a residential property valued at $750,000 in the metropolitan area will save $254.70 on its $175.40 ESL bill compared to what they would have paid under Labor.
A commercial property valued at $1 million in metropolitan Adelaide will receive a $127.40 saving on its $1,245.30 ESL bill, while a $1 million industrial property in the same area will receive a $221.45 saving.
