Following on from the news of last week that the Shires Association of NSW was calling for the removal of the Fire Service Levy in NSW, it is great to hear that the New South Wales Treasurer, Mike Baird, announced today that the state will “consult with the community” on dropping its contentious fire services levy.

I think all of us sincerely hope that the New South Wales Government will act quickly to move the fire service levy to property rates, whereby everyone will contribute fairly to the provision of vital fire and emergency services and not just those prudent and risk averse enough to insure.

Well done, Mr Baird and the NSW Government, well done.

Both LMI Group and NoTaxOnInsurance.com.au will be making a submission and it is our sincere hope that the transition of the tax from insurance to rates is handled more logically and fair than the fiasco that is happening in Victoria!