Supporting Tasmania’s Volunteer Marine Rescue units

The Hodgman Liberal Government takes seriously our responsibility for marine rescues in Tasmanian waters.

That’s why we are delivering on our election commitment of providing an additional $200,000 in funding over four years to Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) units.

With some 57,000 recreational boat licenses in Tasmania, nearly 30,000 registered recreational boats and about 5000 kilometres of coastline, not to mention inland waters, keeping Tasmanians and visitors safe on the water is a big job.

While Tasmania Police is primarily charged with marine rescues, it needs help, and that’s where the VMR are so invaluable.

Today, I was pleased to speak at the Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) VMR 2020 Forum in Perth.

Since 2010, SLST has coordinated VMR units around the State, providing consistency, oversight and accountability.

The Liberal Government is working with SLST to secure the future operation of VMR units so that they can continue to deliver a world-class volunteer inland, inshore and offshore rescue service.

The forum today is an important opportunity for VMR units to come together to discuss challenges and hear from speakers.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management