The WA Local Government Association welcomed the release of the ERA draft report into the Review of the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), saying it addressed many concerns raised by Local Governments.

WALGA President Cr Lynne Craigie said the Association had been advocating for a full and independent review of the ESL for many years, with the report’s recommendations broadly supporting the sector position.

“We’ve been advocating for some time to get greater transparency and accountability around how money is spent on emergency services,” Cr Craigie said.

“This Report brings to light many of the concerns of the Local Government sector and supports our call for a clearer process on both expenditure and operational priorities.”

Cr Craigie said it was pleasing to see the report acknowledge a need to separate the oversight and operational functions of ESL funding, with a recommendation to give oversight responsibility to the Office of Emergency Management.  

“The report noted that the agency advising the Minister for Emergency Services on ESL revenue and rates should not benefit from the ESL, a point we support in full,” she said.

“And recommendations on preparedness activities are also in line with our position that emergency preparedness is a critical part of the process; and that activities supporting this should also be funded by the levy.”

Cr Craigie said WALGA had engaged in extensive consultation with Members before their initial submission to the ERA and would again consult the sector on this report to identify any outstanding issues or areas requiring further clarification.

“The ERA report will set out clear direction for the future of Emergency Management in WA, and it’s important that the Government takes these recommendations on board,” Cr Craigie said.

“An inclusion of indicative figures for a Rural Fire Service is also appreciated and should help in informing the Government’s decision around possible structure and responsibilities.

“We look forward to working with the Government as they consider the outcome of this draft report, and toproviding more detailed feedback from our members.”

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The WA Local Government Association welcomed the release of the ERA draft report into the Review of the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), saying it addressed many concerns raised by Local Governments.

WALGA President Cr Lynne Craigie said the Association had been advocating for a full and independent review of the ESL for many years, with the report’s recommendations broadly supporting the sector position.

“We’ve been advocating for some time to get greater transparency and accountability around how money is spent on emergency services,” Cr Craigie said.

“This Report brings to light many of the concerns of the Local Government sector and supports our call for a clearer process on both expenditure and operational priorities.”

Cr Craigie said it was pleasing to see the report acknowledge a need to separate the oversight and operational functions of ESL funding, with a recommendation to give oversight responsibility to the Office of Emergency Management.  

“The report noted that the agency advising the Minister for Emergency Services on ESL revenue and rates should not benefit from the ESL, a point we support in full,” she said.

“And recommendations on preparedness activities are also in line with our position that emergency preparedness is a critical part of the process; and that activities supporting this should also be funded by the levy.”

Cr Craigie said WALGA had engaged in extensive consultation with Members before their initial submission to the ERA and would again consult the sector on this report to identify any outstanding issues or areas requiring further clarification.

“The ERA report will set out clear direction for the future of Emergency Management in WA, and it’s important that the Government takes these recommendations on board,” Cr Craigie said.

“An inclusion of indicative figures for a Rural Fire Service is also appreciated and should help in informing the Government’s decision around possible structure and responsibilities.

“We look forward to working with the Government as they consider the outcome of this draft report, and to providing more detailed feedback from our members.”