Last night I was in attendance at the NSW Government Community Cabinet. I was fortunate enough to be the second attendee to get the opportunity to ask a question. I asked Mr Gallacher, The Minister For Police and Emergency Services to tell us what he would say to the family of fire victims that perished in fires, where the closest Fire Station was closed. He declined to answer that question twice.
Instead he referred to Fire Fighter sick leave and overtime "blow-outs" he hid behind the head of Fire & Rescue NSW by stating that the decisions was that of Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins. As a fire Fighter with 30 years service and as a member of my local Union Committee I can tell you that this policy it most definitely dangerous.
Mr Gallacher says the Mr Mullins assures him that the policy of closing fire stations places the community in no extra risk. I suggested that for as little a couple of hundred dollars these stations could be kept open.... A closed fire station cannot offer the same protection as an open fire station, is that a difficult concept to grasp?
Mr Gallacher accused me of fudging figures "You know it's more than a couple of hundred dollars" said he. - Well actually Mr Gallacher a fire fighter on overtime is currently paid $234.43 before tax for their time when recalled to duty for a period of 4 hrs. [Yes there are times when Fire Fighters are called in for 8 or 10 hours as well] However, you see... the scenario as I described it, is entirely possible, some would say inevitable and all for the sake of $243.43
