Volunteers in one of the hardest working organisations in NSW, the State Emergency Service, will get more attention under a Liberal / Nationals Government the Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Andrew Humpherson said on a visit today to the SES State Headquarters in Wollongong.
"The Opposition, together with the community, recognises the enormous contribution made by the volunteers in the SES.
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"We respect and thank SES volunteers for the invaluable role they play and assure them that under a Liberal / Nationals Government in NSW that our focus will be on increasing support for them in the role they fulfil.
"We are determined that the needs of volunteers will be paramount. The SES cannot function with a hierarchy alone.
"The Opposition is disappointed that the State Government has lost any focus on volunteers and whilst many use cramped facilities for training and weekly meetings, salaried staff got the primary attention in the recent State budget.
"With a disappointing cut to the SES budget - down from $41.85 million this year to $41.60 million next year, the real losers have been volunteers with an extra $1.18 million going toward staff increases.
"Allowing for inflation the budget was actually cut by 3%.
"A volunteer emergency services organisation like the SES must never forget that it cannot take volunteers for granted.
"A Liberal / Nationals Government will preserve and enhance funding for the SES with an emphasis on ensuring that the needs of volunteers are placed first - ahead of the salaried hierarchy who are there to support them.
"Just about everyone will benefit either directly or indirectly from the services of the SES at sometime or other, whether it be securing a home after storm damage or being rescued at the scene of an accident.
"These selfless volunteers work around the clock when needed, yet don't get the credit, or more importantly, the backing they deserve.
"These quiet achievers have been overlooked by the State Government," Mr Humpherson concluded.
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