NSW Councils Warn of Cuts to Community Health Services due to Emergency Services Levy

Strategic Insights -

The peak body for NSW councils, Local Government NSW, is warning that cuts to community health services, including mental health, are likely to occur as local governments struggle to pay for the state government's reintroduced Emergency Services Levy. The submission notes that rural and regional communities often rely on their councils to "fill any gaps" in health service systems and delivery. The peak body estimates the state's 128 councils will need to collectively find $77 million to cover the levy in 2023-24, which may increase due to the state budget predicting an additional $83.8 million over the next four years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Local Government NSW estimates that NSW's 128 councils will need to find $77 million to cover the Emergency Services Levy in 2023-24.
  • The state budget predicts an additional $83.8 million over the next four years, potentially increasing the burden on councils.
  • Most councils will need to reprioritize or reduce services to find the money to fund the levy, which may impact healthcare services or wellbeing facilities.
  • Natural disasters have traumatized rural and regional communities, increasing the demand for mental health services.
  • Since 2019, NSW councils have experienced natural disasters at "unprecedented levels", with Bega Valley Council declared a disaster area five times in 10 months.
  • The organisation recommends local and state government disaster recovery plans factor in the mental health needs of disaster-affected communities.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24, and the rate of male youth suicide in regional, rural and remote areas is nearly twice that of metropolitan areas.
  • A lack of youth counselling services, programs, and community centres exacerbates the issue, with many councils struggling to fund these services.

Statistics:

  • NSW's 128 councils need to find $77 million for the Emergency Services Levy in 2023-24.
  • The state budget predicts an additional $83.8 million over the next four years for the levy.
  • Natural disasters have affected NSW councils at "unprecedented levels" since 2019.
  • Bega Valley Council was declared a disaster area five times in 10 months due to fires and floods.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24.
  • The rate of male youth suicide in regional, rural and remote areas is nearly twice that of metropolitan areas.

Sources:

  • Local Government NSW. Submission to parliamentary inquiry into outpatient and community mental health care.
  • NSW Government. 2023-24 State Budget.