Labor Leader Bryan Green said he’s pleased that the parliamentary committee dealing with the inquiry into the funding of the Tasmania Fire Service will meet for the first time next week.
“This inquiry is crucially important when it comes to Tasmanians having confidence that the TFS is properly funded and resourced,” Mr Green said.
“The inquiry must be robust and free of political influence.
“Labor agrees the SES and the TFS are a natural fit, but we must be convinced that one vital service isn’t being supported at the expense of the other.
“We also want to know if the State Fire Levy will be increased to offset the funding shortfall.
“I note with interest that Minister Rene Hidding failed to answer questions put to him by the media on this crucial issue.
“It’s time the Government was less secretive and more transparent with Tasmanians, especially on critical issues like the future of the Tasmania Fire Service.
“Already this fire season we’ve seen the extraordinary work of our career and volunteer fire-fighters.
“We must make sure the TFS has the resources it needs to do its work with confidence.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
