The object of the Emergency Services Levy Amendment Bill 2024 (NSW) (the Bill) is to amend the Emergency Services Levy Act 2017 (NSW) (the Act) to permit the Treasurer to require insurers to provide information for the purposes of evaluating and implementing emergency services funding reforms.

It is a requirement of the NSW Parliament that government bills introduced in the Legislative Council (Upper House) must be accompanied by a Statement of Public Interest (SPI). 

An SPI ought to demonstrate consideration of the public interest and good process being followed in the development of legislative policy in NSW. The objective of the SPI is to resource Members of the Legislative Council to support informed decision-making on proposed Bills, and improve the transparency of policymaking processes for Parliamentarians and the public.

The Statement of Public Interest must answer the following six questions that address the need and evidence base for the Bill:

1. Need: Why is the policy needed based on factual evidence and stakeholder input?
2. Objectives: What is the policy’s objective couched in terms of the public interest?
3. Options: What alternative policies and mechanisms were considered in advance of the bill?
4. Analysis: What were the pros/cons and benefits/costs of each option considered?
5. Pathway: What are the timetable and steps for the policy’s rollout and who will administer it?
6. Consultation: Were the views of affected stakeholders sought and considered in making the policy?

This document evaluates the Government's 'Statement of Public Interest (SPI)' that makes the case for legislative reform.

The assessment finds that the Government SPI omits useful, relevant, and available information that would enhance the SPI and aid in its intended purpose: to provide Members with information that will assist them to make an informed decision as to how to deal with the Bill, and to demonstrate sound policymaking (Premier’s Memorandum M2022-03). It fails to clearly outline how these changes affect the public interest and as a result, the Government SPI only adequately fulfils the requirements of an SPI.

Assessment: Adequate