NSW is moving towards a fairer system of funding fire and emergency services, by removing the current Emergency Services Levy (ESL) from insurance policies and replacing it with the Emergency Services Property Levy (ESPL), which will be paid at the same time as council rates.

This will be fairer as all landowners will contribute, not just those with property insurance. It will also make property insurance much more affordable by reducing premiums. The vast majority of insured residential property owners are expected to be better off under the ESPL, with an average saving of around $40 per year.

This reform will help to address the serious issue of underinsurance in NSW. NSW has the highest level of non-insurance of all the states and too many people are at risk of not being able to rebuild their homes after losing everything to fire or flood.

Every other mainland State has already completed the reform. Victoria was the most recent to do so, following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into the tragic 2009 bushfires. I would have hoped that NSW Labor would show the same spirit of bipartisanship that was shown in Victoria, rather than playing politics with this important reform.

Local Governments, who will be responsible for collecting the ESPL, will be fully reimbursed for all reasonable costs associated with the reform.

Finally, let me assure the community that the Government’s consultation process - which began in 2012 - will continue as we work hard to deliver this important change which will be fairer for all.

Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations

Be aware about changes in loved ones’ behaviour

THIS Christmas, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is urging anybody with a family member or friend with dementia to be mindful of their symptoms and look out for changes in their condition.

Because holiday celebrations provide a time for families and friends to come together after what can often be long periods, it is in these instances that changes in memory and behaviour can seem most apparent.

That’s why this festive season we’re encouraging families to re-assess their loved one’s condition and situation. This is important in identifying what extra support might be required in light of any change in behaviours or worsening of symptoms.

If you notice changes in a loved one or have any other concerns, I urge you to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 to speak to an expert.

John Watkins, chief executive officer, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW

AUSTRALIAN parents are disregarding safety guidelines, with the majority allowing more than one child on a trampoline and most parents not supervising children while they use them.

The Australian Child Health Poll found one in six Australian children has sustained an injury while using a trampoline, yet only one in two parents know the specific first aid for treating these injuries.

Respondents living in regional Australia were more likely to report knowing first aid for a head injury, broken or dislodged tooth or an unconscious child, as well as having increased confidence in administering CPR.

The poll also found that one in six children don’t always wear a helmet when riding a bike despite it being a legal requirement, and almost half don’t always wear a helmet when riding a skateboard or scooter.

With Christmas around the corner, the poll is a timely reminder for parents.

Dr Anthea Rhodes

Director – Australian Child Health Poll