No. 47

MORE FIREFIGHTERS AND SES VOLUNTEERS

Emergency Services is set to boost frontline staffing to record levels following allocations in the 2006‑07 Budget, Minister For Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell announced today.

“I am extremely pleased to be able to fund extra frontline personnel for our emergency services,” Mr Corbell said.

“This reinforces Emergency Services’ mission statement to protect and preserve life, property and the environment in the ACT.”

The funding for 2006-07 includes two recruit colleges for the ACT Brigade.

“This recruitment will see the ACT Fire Brigade staffing level raised up to 335,” Mr Corbell said.

“This is the first time in more than 15 years that the Brigade will reach its optimum staffing level.

“For quite some time now the Brigade has been relying on the goodwill of its fire fighters agreeing to perform overtime to maintain appropriate service levels. 

“College 30 will commence in July 2006 with 16 recruits with a further intake later in the year.”

Volunteer recruitment will also be boosted in the new financial year.

“The ACT Government recognises the vital role volunteers play in the ACT community, particularly in the area of emergency services,” Mr Corbell said.

“$120,000 has been allocated for the ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT State Emergency Service to boost volunteer numbers even higher following strong growth in the past three years. 

“This will result in an extra 50 volunteer fire-fighters for the ACT RFS and an additional 80 ACT SES volunteers. 

“Our volunteers in every respect are professionals who are fully trained and fully equipped, they just don’t take home a pay cheque.”