2016-04-30
The Greens welcome the operational review into the management of the Tasmanian bushfires.
While the review rightly lauds the work of our hardworking firefighters, it identifies a number of areas of improvement, such as staff numbers, training, aerial firefighting and communication with the public.
Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said the state government should adopt all of the recommendations contained within the review.
“Last summer’s bushfires laid bare the tragic and frightening side of global warming which we know need to address head on,” Senator McKim said.
“The Greens call on the Tasmanian government to adopt all of AFAC’s recommendations.”
“We agree with AFAC that the Tasmanian Fire Service needs to have greater resources, as well as higher levels of training for remote firefighting.”
“We also agree with the recommendation for greater communication and information to be shared with the public before, during and after fire events.”
“We want to see a greater use of aerial firefighting where appropriate, and call on the Commonwealth to consider additional resources for next summer.”
“As we have consistently said, our firefighters deserve the very best, and we need to be sure that they have the best possible planning and resources in place for next time.”