Andrew Humpherson MP
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
The Government announcement today of a firefighter recruitment campaign needs to be seen in the light of annual lies on firefighter numbers, according to the State Opposition.
"Each year the government claims record numbers of firefighters but then short changes the community by not employing the personnel it promises," says Shadow Emergency Services Minister Andrew Humpherson.
"Recruited firefighters are not keeping pace with retirements and resignations.
"In the past three years the average number of budgeted 'equivalent fulltime firefighters' (EFT) has actually dropped from 3925 to 3914 - and even these promises are under-delivered.
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“Last year the Government said average firefighter numbers would increase to 3915 – yet in this month's budget we find out that it was only 3897 - the government delivered 18 less personnel," Mr Humpherson said
“Despite the State’s population growing and annual promises of more firefighters, including 52 additional in last year’s budget, they are not being delivered.
“The government continues to lie about firefighter numbers in the budget then soaks up the money elsewhere.
"Don't look at what they say - look at their record and what they fail to do," Mr Humpherson warned.
“Over the past three years there have been 120 less fire-fighters delivered than were promised in the budgets.
"In 2003/04 the government announced there would be an average of 3907 'firies', yet the actual numbers were 31 less.
"In 2004/05 average firefighter numbers were announced to rise to 3925 - yet only 3854 were delivered when the final figures were disclosed - a shortfall of 71.
“Any Labor claim to better firefighting services should be regarded as another shallow and deceitful promise which will not be delivered on", Mr Humpherson concluded.
Source: Budget Papers 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07. EFT = Equivalent Fulltime.
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