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On 1 July 2003 the Queensland Government introduced the Community Ambulance Cover levy as the most effective method to ensure all Queenslanders are covered for ambulance services anywhere in Australia.

The levy was a broad-based charge, using the system of supply and sale of electricity as the basis for its imposition and collection. This means that if you are the electricity account holder of a premises which receives a supply of electrity measured by a meter, you will be liable for the levy. Community Ambulance Cover was not a 'user-pays' system for ambulance services. No matter who pays for the electricity supplied to your business or household, the levy ensures that all Queensland residents are automatically covered for the cost of emergency ambulance services, anywhere in Australia.

As of 1 July 2010, the levy was a daily charge of 29.877 cents, or $109.05 for the full financial year.

From the 1st July 2011 the Community Ambulance Cover Levy is abolished and all Queensland residents will enjoy free Ambulance cover throughout Australia without the need to pay a levy. The Government will now fund the cost of the Ambulance service through its annual budget.

For your individual unit please be sure to check your next bill from your electricity provider and if your scheme receives a bulk bill from the Electricity Retailer (e.g. AGL, TRU Energy, Origin, etc) then please be sure to check the next bill to ensure that the levy has been removed from the 1st July 2011.

If you were already exempt from the Levy there is no need to change anything. You will still continue to receive free Ambulance Cover. If your electricity account still has the Ambulance Cover levy on it for days past the 30th June 2011 please contact your electricity retailer or electricity provider.