Metropolitan Fire Service

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:29): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Can the minister update the council about the latest recruit course for the Metropolitan Fire Service?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:30): I can and will answer the Hon. Mr Gazzola's very important question. Last Wednesday, I had the great pleasure to be able to speak at the MFS graduation ceremony for 18 of South Australia's newest firefighters. It was a marvellous event and a fantastic ceremony, with broad representation and attendance from across our emergency services sector and community, as well as family, friends and loved ones of the graduates.

As I am sure members are aware, it takes a special kind of individual to become a firefighter for the MFS. Not just anyone can make the cut. We have all heard stories of the sheer determination and hardened resolve many have experienced on their journey to becoming a firefighter. It was at this event that I truly came to appreciate what this really means for those who reach graduation and the next stage of their career as a firefighter.

These graduates faced an extremely competitive field of almost 1,300 applicants for approximately 18 spots to make it to last Wednesday's ceremony; 18 people out of 1,300 is an extraordinary achievement for those individuals. They faced a gruelling 14-week training program, which included more than 700 hours of exhausting and emotionally demanding physical training. They also had to hit the books, working their way through in excess of 100 lectures on subject matter critical to their new roles.

I was pleased to learn of the diverse ages, backgrounds and life stories of the graduates, including a lifeguard, plumber, fitness coach, Army reservist, police officer, as well as a mechanic, forester, chef, barber and a school teacher—a diverse range of backgrounds. As Minister for Emergency Services, I have nothing but the utmost respect, appreciation and admiration for those who dedicate themselves to our emergency services sector. For the graduates, the ceremony was more than just marking the beginning of a new job, it certainly embodied more than the word 'career' could even mean.

As our newest firefighters go on shift for the first time, they will be in the business of protecting everyday South Australian lives—families rescued from the brink of tragedy. They will protect the roofs over our heads, our homes, they will protect businesses, industry, infrastructure and our economy alike. They will respond to road crashes, house fires, gas leaks, chemical spills and perform rescues. They will be there to help our community when people are at their most vulnerable and distressed.

Through service above self, they will play a critical role in strengthening and maintaining the emotional, social and economic bonds which hold our great state together as one. As I spoke to the graduates during the ceremony, I let them know they are becoming part of something larger than themselves as part of a fire service which has a rich and proud history, with over 150 years of service to the community. Members may be aware that the MFS is one of the oldest known legislated professional fire services in the world—a significant achievement. I reminded them that to be afforded the opportunity to work with and for your community is an absolute privilege.

This government is proud of the state's newest firefighters and, without a doubt, this pride extends to each and every South Australian who has called upon, and will call upon, the MFS in their time of need. To the 18 graduates, I once again extend a hearty congratulations for all they have achieved to date and will achieve in the future in what will no doubt be a vital and rewarding career.