Thursday, 4 May 2023

Ministers statements: fire services

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:35): Many members of the chamber this week have reflected on their amazing experience with FRV and attending the Fire Ops 101 course. I thank members for their interest, and I know there has been amazing feedback, so it is quite convenient today to update the house on our ongoing support for our dedicated firefighters. Today is, of course, International Firefighters Day – or St Florian’s Day, named after the patron saint of firefighters – a day where it is important to acknowledge the bravery and commitment of our firefighters, who selflessly keep Victoria safe.

I would like to acknowledge, sadly, the death this week of Izabella Nash from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. We know that when disaster and personal tragedy hit our services, it is received as one big family, and I know many personnel from Victoria’s emergency services across the state have been affected by her loss, and of course my thoughts are with her family and the QFES.

Over the last year our firefighters have turned out time and time again to both routine call-outs and major disasters. During last year’s floods crews performed swiftwater rescues as well as helping with the clean-up effort. Our government continues to support firefighters and the work they do. Last week I was pleased to announce the return of the volunteer emergency services equipment program. Grants of up to $150,000 are on offer to volunteer emergency services groups, with the government providing $2 for every $1 of local funding – a very popular program. VESEP is all about helping to ensure that our volunteers have the latest equipment to do what they do best, and we know that is protecting communities and saving lives.

We are also providing an improved level of protection to our CFA volunteers. Last month it was great to tour a local facility producing CFA’s new wildfire personal protective clothing. CFA’s iconic yellow is here to stay – I noticed a slight difference in the tone, but apparently I was not supposed to point that out – but these garments are better. They provide safer protection, they are tailored for both men and women and they ensure a safe and comfortable fit for all of our volunteers. I am sure I speak for all members in the place when expressing deep gratitude to all firefighters and those who support them, including all of those that defend public and private land.