SIMON Corbell has announced he’s making up for slashed fire safety contributions from the Commonwealth with some jumped up fees and charges.
“The false alarm fee will be broadened to now also cover repeated avoidable call outs to the same building caused by human actions; for example burning toast that sets off an alarm that is connected to the automated fire alarm system linked to ESA Emergency Triple Zero (000) Communications Centre. These automated fire alarm systems are commonly in residential apartment buildings and commercial premises. This fee will go from $750 to $1250,” Simon said.
He then announced a new development tax and called it a fee.
“Fees for approving building plans and conducting fire safety compliance inspections will move from an hourly rate to a system based on the value of the property.”
Fees are cost recovery, something an hourly rate for work conducted would cover. A charge based on the value of the property sounds a lot like a tax, a duty, or a levy.
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