Emergency Services Levy

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:26): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services regarding the emergency services levy. As the minister responsible for the administration of the emergency services levy, has the minister approached the Treasurer or the Minister for Primary Industries to advocate for the removal of the levy on farmers and regional communities affected by the drought as a measure to help assist with much-needed cashflow for farmers?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. I think the emergency services levy plays an important role in making sure funds are going back into protecting not only our farmers but many people in the community across a range of emergency services. It is an important way of ensuring that we have the appliances that are needed, ensuring we have access to the equipment that is required and the support of personnel that is required as well when we are making sure that we can fight fires and get people to car accidents to provide the support that so many in our community rely on. I don't think anyone would think that the emergency services levy being used in the way it is is a bad investment. It is a vital investment in keeping our community safe.