Wilmington Fire

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (15:20): Supplementary question arising from the original answer: can the minister advise the chamber what was unfounded about my previous question in the last sitting week?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, you did mention it.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Excuse me. Calm down. It very much did arise from the original answer. The minister went there, so the minister can answer the supplementary question.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:20): I just want to provide an update in regard to an appliance that was referred to, and that Mount Gambier was not being serviced because an appliance was in service. The appliance has been replaced with a heavy urban pumping appliance. It has the same pumping capacity and can deliver the same kind of response for the community, considering the concerns that were raised.

We have also heard commentary on the radio in Mount Gambier this week, advising, I believe, that the opposition was declaring that there was not 24/7 access to emergency services in Mount Gambier through the MFS. It is also of concern, considering we were going into a hot week, that the community had fears that they didn't have access to MFS services 24/7, 365 days of the year. I am advised that that is incorrect. There are MFS services available 24/7. Through the day they are available through career firefighters and in the evening through retained firefighters. This is an incredible service. They not only reach the national benchmark, I am advised they exceed the national benchmark in their response times.

Obviously, I would love to hear and see the information you are providing, see the facts, see the individuals and hear the responses—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter! Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Finish your answer. We are moving on.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I guess when members of the community in Mount Gambier are being told that those opposite us can provide a 24/7 MFS service for $1 million, I believe were the comments made via radio—I don't know where you are getting your costing from. It is incredibly concerning since your Leader of the Opposition was the Minister for Emergency Services and they are now costing a new station at $1 million.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I would just like you to provide the facts.