New recruits to boost Tasmania Fire Service

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to a strong and well-resourced Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) that helps protect lives and property.

Today, we have taken a step forward in boosting the ranks of our full-time firefighters with the commencement of a new course for trainees.

The Government has not only maintained frontline firefighter numbers, those numbers have increased and will increase again when these nine new recruits complete their 15-week course.

The Government has agreed to invest an additional $1.5 million in the TFS this year to help keep our communities safe.

As Minister, I have recently met with representatives of the Tasmanian Branch of the United Firefighters Union Australia and listened to, and taken note of, their views on a range of matters.

I welcome the union’s public support for our ongoing plan to better align the TFS and the State Emergency Service, and look forward to working constructively with them as we develop a long-term, sustainable funding model.

The TFS receives funding from a number of different sources, including generating its own income from commercial activities, not just from the fire levy.

This year, more than $1 million is being invested in world-class firefighting personal protective clothing to improve the safety of firefighters across Tasmania.

The Government also committed $15.3 million in the State Budget to the Emergency Services Computer Aided Dispatch project, aimed at improving the safety and effectiveness of all emergency workers, including firefighters.

In line with our election commitment, we are investing an historic $28.5 million over four years in the most comprehensive fuel reduction program ever undertaken in Tasmania to reduce the risk bushfires pose to life and property.

All of this demonstrates that the Liberal Government is firmly committed to the safety of our firefighters and to the wider community.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management