INVESTING IN OUR FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO KEEP TASMANIANS SAFE

Jacquie Petrusma MP, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The 2022-23 Tasmanian Budget is about strengthening Tasmania’s future, which includes investing in our emergency services to ensure we keep Tasmanians safe from the threat of fire, flood and storm.

In 2018, the Tasmanian Government committed $2 million to support the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) Volunteer Brigades and State Emergency Service (SES) Units.  This Budget provides $2 million to ensure this grant program continues and that our volunteers remain supported to get the training and equipment they need.

The Budget also includes $2 million in funding to upgrade volunteer brigade equipment in areas such as personal protective equipment and communications to enhance their response.  This funding has been brought forward in the Budget to ensure critical equipment is provided early to volunteers across the State so they can perform their roles safely.

This Budget includes $420,000 for our emergency services to operationalise the Sorell Emergency Services Hub.  The Hub is due to be completed in early 2023, and this funding will provide an SES Rescue Vehicle and Storm Trailer, ensuring volunteers can respond to emergency events as required.

Our Remote Areas teams will receive a boost, with $640,000 to continue to grow, develop and sustain the capacity of our volunteers. The Teams are critical for responding to bushfires, and this funding is on top of the $535,000 the Government has already provided to establish these teams.

SES automated sandbag filing machines will be secured to keep Tasmanians safe in the event of a storm or flood, with $210,000 to increase capability to respond to flood risk in communities.

The 2022-23 State Budget is delivering for all Tasmanians, including significant investments as part of our commitment to ensure Tasmanian communities are safe in times of need.