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The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was previously funded by a voluntary subscription scheme. In July 2003, the Queensland Government introduced a community ambulance cover levy to ensure that the QAS could continue to provide ambulance services for all Queenslanders.
History
As the voluntary subscription scheme was not providing enough money to fund the QAS, and the Federal Medicare levy did not fund ambulance services, the Queensland Government decided to raise this money through charging a community ambulance cover levy.
| 'All Queensland residents are automatically covered for the cost of emergency ambulance services' |
Anyone who occupies premises which receive a supply of electricity is liable for the levy. The levy is collected by electricity retailers on behalf of the Queensland Government through all non-exempt accounts. It is calculated on a daily basis and collected in arrears for the period that the electricity account relates to. |
This levy is not a ‘user-pays’ system for ambulance services—instead, the cost is spread throughout the community. This ensures that all Queensland residents are automatically covered for the cost of emergency ambulance services, anywhere in Australia.
Second Reading speech
The following are extracts from the Second Reading speech by the Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, Michael (Mike) F Reynolds, who introduced the Community Ambulance Cover Bill into the Legislative Assembly on 13 May 2003.
'The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) has a long and proud history in this state and delivers a world-class ambulance service to the people of Queensland.
The Bill heralds a new era in ambulance funding with the introduction of community ambulance cover, which will replace the voluntary subscription scheme. All Queensland residents will now be entitled to ambulance services anywhere, anytime across Australia, and no Queenslander, regardless of their economic circumstances, will be presented with a $755 account for ambulance services.
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'For the first time in its 109-year history the QAS will be provided with a reliable, adequate and predictable funding base' |
Generations of Queenslanders have relied on their Ambulance Service to provide essential, life-saving medical treatment and the QAS has always delivered on this commitment. In turn, the Ambulance Service has had to rely on the generosity and commitment of Queenslanders through the voluntary subscription scheme and other fundraising initiatives for financial support. This approach is no longer sustainable. The subscription scheme is not providing the level of revenue required to support a modern, viable Ambulance Service. |
For the first time in its 109-year history the QAS will be provided with a reliable, adequate and predictable funding base.
The Community Ambulance Cover Bill 2003 contains a comprehensive levy system collected through the electricity industry and spreads the cost throughout the community. The new cover will be collected through electricity accounts at a rate of $88 per annum or 24c a day.
For the first time in this state it ensures all Queenslanders are covered anywhere, any time throughout Australia.'