Hi Dave
You are absolutely correct, all enquiries regarding the FESL as a reform should be referred to Treasury on 1300 78 78 72 or by email by visiting fesl.nsw.gov.au. All insurance ESL versus FESL costs need to be referred to the insurance monitor by phone 1300 60 77 23 or visiting eslinsurancemonitor@nsw.gov.au
Councils role is primarily to classify land, collect the FESL and remit to OSR. There is a work group that is directing its attention to how councils will be reimbursed for the additional work placed on the sector in performing these tasks.
Personally for my moderate home located in the sticks is up for home and contents (combined) in June. In 2015-16 I paid $265, for this year 2016-17 the renewal is $112, for 2017-18 the amount will be $187.
Not sure about your concept for valuations but in my view an even fairer system would be using capital values.
Hope this is of some help.
Regards,
Andrew
