Rural Fire Service volunteers have been ignored by the State Labor Government following desperate pleas for support ahead of the bushfire season.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery for failing to prepare.
“In just a few days, the Bundaberg RFSQ Area is set to double, with the local office taking on responsibility for a additional 45 Rural Fire Brigades,” said Mr Bennett.
“In preparation for this change I asked the minister to please listen to the pleas, calls and countless letters from our RFS volunteers who are in desperate need of more support.
“In response, we’ve been told one extra support staff member is a ‘huge win for our Bundaberg community.’
“The spin from this Labor Government is incredible and I won’t stand by while they gaslight our community.
“State Labor has created a culture of fear and cover-ups.
“Brigade Training and Support Officers (BTSO’s) are already run off their feet.
“It is totally unrealistic for our local brigades to train new members, upskill existing volunteers and repair, maintain or replace equipment without adequate support.
“First officers are telling me it could ultimately lead to lower levels of preparedness, effectiveness and safety in coming fire seasons.
“I’m calling on the minister to please quit the spin and start listening to Queenslanders and our RFS volunteers.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it’s time to put Queensland’s unsung hero’s first.
“For too long our volunteers have been ignored, but I’m pleased to announce that the LNP will hold a Parliamentary Inquiry into Breaking Down Barriers to Volunteering, if elected in October.
“Volunteers like our RFS members should be supported and celebrated.
“The LNP wants to be part of the solution and our Parliamentary Inquiry will focus on the five key areas.”
The LNP’s Parliamentary Inquiry will deliver recommendations at the legislative, regulatory and financial level for:
- Restrictions on volunteering caused by legislation and regulation
- Current government support for the sector and opportunities for improvement
- Barriers to volunteering for non-volunteers
- Current restrictions adversely limiting active volunteers
- Opportunities for diversification in the volunteer workforce
ENDS.
24/06/2024