The WA Government has announced its long-awaited new emergency services funding system, which will see insured residents experiencing a 23% drop in their insurance premiums. The new system, which has been lobbied for by most sectors of the insurance industry, will be introduced on July 1 next year. The emergency services levy will be based on the gross value of the property and will be collected by local governments along with council rates.

WA Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts said the new system will be a “fairer and more equitable system”.

“It translates to an average reduction of $80 for most fully insured residential property owners, and in addition there will also be a $12 cut in their local government rates,” she said. Premium reductions of up to 33% will be possible for commercial premises.

There is no exemption from the levy. But a rebate system will apply to pensioners and seniors, and people will be able to pay through installments.