October 18, 2013
The State Government says it has committed to fully fund the equipment and training needs for the Queensland Rural Fire Service.
Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said today the increased funding would include protective clothing, communication equipment and training.
“This funding will ensure rural firefighters are best equipped to do the best job for Queenslanders,” Mr Dempsey said.
Mr Dempsey said he had also directed Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers Ted Malone to oversee actions arising from each of the Malone Review recommendations.
“The Newman Government is committed to a better rural fire service for Queensland and today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment,” Mr Dempsey said.
“We want to do the best rural fire service for Queenslanders and we’ve taken this opportunity to consider how we can deliver better outcomes for our rural firefighters.
“Now that the Malone and Keelty Reviews have been finalised, I have asked the Assistant Minister and his support team to ensure we prioritise the recommendations and determine how they can best be implemented.”
Mr Malone said he looked forward to working with all of the brigades across Queensland to achieve a fully supported rural volunteer fire service that builds on community resilience.
“The recruitment process is under way for the new position of Deputy Commissioner, Rural Fire and Emergency Services,” Mr Malone said.
“This person will have full operational and managerial responsibility for emergency service volunteers in Queensland.”
Mr Dempsey said he had also moved to meet safety concerns by ordering red and blue flashing lights for all Rural Fire Brigade trucks and that Mr Malone would continue to liaise with Rural Fire Brigades over issues around the new Emergency Management, Fire and Rescue Levy.
“We’ve outlined a pathway forward and I look forward to working our rural firefighters to ensure Queensland has the best service in the country.”
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