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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2007-11-22 Daily Xml
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Question Time

METROPOLITAN FIRE SERVICE

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services a question about the Metropolitan Fire Service.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: This morning, serving members of the Metropolitan Fire Service, in full uniform, were seen handing out leaflets supporting the ALP's industrial relations policy. The staff members were in an official fire service vehicle, complete with snorkel. A passerby, who has since contacted the opposition, was told by one of the fire service officers that an agreement was reached by the Rann government, SA Unions and the ACTU for fire officers to volunteer an hour of their time to do this. Does the minister endorse the use of official government emergency services uniforms as an endorsement for a political party during election campaigns, and will supporters of other political parties and candidates be extended the same endorsement?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:29): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am reminded by my colleagues on this side that at least we do not sneak around in the dark dropping offensive information into people's letterboxes and looking like complete fools. I am not aware of the complete details. I have been advised this morning that some firies were in the mall. I am not aware of the specific details in relation to the allegations made against any staff of the MFS today apparently handing out political material about the Howard government's regressive and unfair workplace practices. I will raise the matter with the chief officer of the Metropolitan Fire Service for investigation. It would not be appropriate for me to come to any conclusions about any allegations until they have been formally put to the chief officer and an investigation undertaken.

I should also place on notice (I think I have had reason to do this before) that operational firefighters do not get a formal break while on duty and are not able to go off call. They can only attend activities with their appliances and equipment, and appliances remain under the control of the designated officer-in-charge at all times. There is also a certain level of autonomy with regards to appliance movement within their own zones. As I said, I will raise this matter with the chief officer of the Metropolitan Fire Service.

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