Yesterday, the Department provided an update to us regarding their progress on developing a Service Level Agreement with NSW Ambulance, which we expect will outline clear parameters for when and how we respond to assist NSW Ambulance.
We have been advised that the Department and NSW Ambulance continue to make progress on the development of the SLA and are close to a resolution, at which point, the Department continues to commit to full consultation with the FBEU on the SLA.
On this basis, the Code Red on Ambulance Assist calls remains temporarily suspended until further notice. We will continue to update members as this matter progresses.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY SELECT COMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDING REFORM
This week, I appeared before the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Emergency Services Funding Reform to present further on our written submission. Our submissions focused on a ‘beneficiary pays’ principle, and we continue to advocate on the FBEU’s well established position that those who benefit financially from a properly funded emergency services (namely insurance companies) should contribute appropriately to maintain the necessary levels of funding.
This appearance reiterated those submissions and provided an important opportunity for us as firefighters to advocate before the Committee that the systemic and historic underfunding of our fire service must be addressed in any review or reform of our funding models.
Fire and Rescue NSW is facing critical shortfalls in funding across the board including staffing, infrastructure and our ageing fleet. These funding shortfalls also continue to be compounded by increased pressures from external factors such as declining volunteerism, climate change, and increased risk to infrastructure. Firefighters know and experience the impact of this every day when we go to work.
In our view, neither the NSW Government nor insurance companies have demonstrated how a shift away from the current insurance-based funding contribution would address this historic underinvestment or deliver any tangible improvement in frontline service delivery.
As we continue to be the only agency delivering a guaranteed response to so many emergencies that occur across NSW daily, it is vital that any consideration of funding reform has the principle of ensuring that Fire and Rescue NSW has the necessary funding and resources to meet the ever growing needs our community faces.
Members will be updated further as the review continues.
