NSW Opposition attacks SES levy

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29 June 2009

NSW Shadow Small Business and Regulatory Reform Minister Don Page has attacked the state’s newest insurance tax as “diabolical” – but he won’t confirm whether his party would repeal the levy if it elected.

On Wednesday the NSW Government will introduce the State Emergency Services (SES) levy on insurance premiums, which is expected to raise an additional $39 million annually.

Mr Page, the National Party Member for Ballina, has advised business owners and residents of NSW to prepare “for increases to their insurance premiums from early July thanks to the NSW Labor Government”.

But when contacted by insuranceNEWS.com.au, Mr Page would not confirm if the Opposition would repeal the tax should it win the next election. He says a recommendation would first have to go before the shadow cabinet.

“I think the fact we voted against the SES levy tells you what we think of it,” he said on Friday. “It’s clear these taxes are too high and there’s also an equity problem. Why should people who insure pay for these services on behalf of those that don’t?”