Emergency Services Levy

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:10): I seek leave to provide a brief explanation before asking questions of the Minister for Emergency Services regarding the emergency services levy increase.

Leave granted.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: South Australian farmers are facing one of the worst droughts in living memory with many destocking, carting water and absorbing soaring input costs just to survive. Amidst this, the government is raising the emergency services levy by an average of 4.2 per cent with some property owners already receiving increases of $250 or more.

While emergency services like the CFS and SES are essential and largely staffed by regional volunteers, it is unfair that drought-affected communities are being asked to pay more for services they both depend on and deliver. My questions to the Minister for Emergency Services are:

1. How does the minister defend the decision to increase the emergency services levy knowing it places additional financial burden on South Australian farmers already dealing with drought, rising fuel, fertiliser and insurance costs?

2. Will the government commit to waiving or subsidising the ESL levy for all drought-declared regions or properties, not just those receiving the Farm Household Allowance?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:12): I thank the member for her question. As you may have seen earlier in the past week, we have made an announcement about additional supports for emergency services in South Australia that will be further outlined in Thursday's budget, highlighting that more training, modern equipment and improved planning will help keep crews safe and protected in our communities that they serve.

South Australians turn to their emergency services when their lives or homes are in danger and value the dedicated staff, personnel and volunteers who are ready to respond because of their support. The 2025-26 ESL bill for a median-valued metropolitan residential property valued at $850,000 will increase by $6.70 for non-concession recipients, and $2.45 for concession recipients. The ESL for the median regional residential property is $99, with an increase of $3.25 next year. We know that our frontline personnel who provide so much support to our community play a pivotal role in being supported by the ESL.

We know that further support of $2.8 million over four years to improve bushfire risk mapping based on automated modelling for likely bushfire impacts will be supported by the ESL, and $2 million over four years for the ongoing replacement of remotely-piloted aircraft drones used by the state emergency services will be able to be supported and provide intelligence gathering for hazard assessment and incidents.

There will be $859,000 over three years for development assessment activity associated with the statewide bushfire hazard overlay code amendments; and $687,000 over three years to continue supporting Volunteer Marine Rescue associations in providing their rescue capabilities. We also know that $250,000 will go towards the replacement of Surf Life Saving's Lifesaver 3 three jet rescue boats. These are significant investments that are there to support those on our frontline and provide that support. We know the ESL plays a significant role in doing this.