The state’s emergency services will be better off under proposed funding plans outlined by both Labor and the Liberals.
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On Thursday Deputy Opposition Leader Michelle O’Byrne said Labor would commit $5.5 million to fund immediate infrastructure requirements.
This would include $1.5 million for the purchase of two new heavy pumper fire trucks and $4 million to refurbish volunteer and metropolitan stations.
“We ask our firefighters to walk toward the flames every day,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“It’s only right that we provide them with the equipment and the infrastructure they need to do carry out their duties.
“Priorities will be determined in consultation with the TFS and United Fire Fighter’s Union.”
Police, Fire and Emergency Management minister Rene Hidding said a majority Liberal government would provide $2 million in funding, exclusively for volunteer units to apply for equipment upgrades.
Specialised training would also be offered to up to 64 volunteer firefighters to serve in Remote Area Teams – a position currently only undertaken by career firefighters.
Mr Hidding said the plan was about creating “transformational change” within the state’s volunteer units.
“Remote Area Teams perform very certain and important work on the fire ground,” he said.
“They have specialised volunteer-based teams in other states, so I think it is only right that we have them here in Tasmania.”
Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association president Andrew Taylor said emergency service agencies would continue to work together, regardless of election results.
“It is like any department, there is always scrutiny on our funding,” he said.
“What has been outlined today is clearly attributed to volunteers. That is something we as an association, along with our agency, will sit down and work out exactly what it all means.
“But certainly any commitment to improving safety and training is welcomed.”