Emergency Services Levy

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): Supplementary, sir: is the minister aware, or can he confirm, that a further six CFS units from the Barossa Valley region are now also refusing to fight fires on government land due to the ESL increases?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:20): I am not aware of the Barossa one. It has not been brought to my attention, but I am certainly aware of the one in Echunga, which was announced. It was interesting to note that the members from the Echunga CFS Brigade actually did not provide a blanket withdrawal of their services. They said they would actually take every matter case by case. The other matter is that all government land has measures in place, and have had measures in place for many years, to deal with that.

Mr Pengilly: A bucket of water and a hose.

The SPEAKER: The member for Finniss is called to order.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Actually, that's quite insulting to the staff who do work in DEWNR and other agencies.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Chaffey is called to order. The member for Finniss is warned.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: We have a number of staff in a number of agencies who provide—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hartley is called to order.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: —a primary fire service. That is not to say that we do not appreciate and do not benefit from the support of CFS volunteers, but to suggest that these areas are not protected in some way is just inappropriate and wrong.

The SPEAKER: Supplementary, leader.