Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has tabled burning questions on behalf of frustrated Rural Fire Brigades to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery.
It follows serious concerns raised by local first officers regarding a lack of support staff.
Mr Bennett tabled the following Question on Notice to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery: *
Are there plans for the Bundaberg RFB Area Office to take on responsibility for an additional 45 Rural Brigades in the North Burnett from 1st July 2024? If so, can the minister advise how many paid Area Office Support Staff will be added to the Bundaberg region to appropriately manage this increase in workload and support needed by the brigades?
Mr Bennett said Brigade Training and Support Officers (BTSO’s) are already run off their feet.
“There are dozens of brigades in this area and by all reports, BTSO’s are kept very busy meeting their needs,” he said.
“It’s understood this service area is set to double to 79 brigades.
“All we’re after is a commonsense decision to employ the extra support staff needed if this change goes ahead.
“It would be totally unrealistic for our local brigades to train new members, upskill existing volunteers and repair, maintain or replace equipment without this extra support.
“First officers are telling me it will ultimately lead to lower levels of preparedness, effectiveness and safety in coming fire seasons.”
Mr Bennett tabled a further Question on Notice regarding RFS uniforms: **
Can the minister explain why a Rural Fire Service dress uniform or jacket has not been provided despite repeated calls?
“For over six months our local RFS members and the Rural Fire Brigade Association of Queensland have been asking for a dress uniform,” said Mr Bennett.
“In their own words, they say it’s embarrassing when urban firies are also present, dressed professionally in their uniforms, and the rural firies turn up looking like ‘brown cows’.
“It is an absolute embarrassment and an affront to rural members who show pride in the various brigades and their community.”
* QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2024/637-2024.pdf
** QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2024/676-2024.pdf
ENDS.
27/05/2024