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NSW firies say govt cuts ‘unrealistic’

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Darin Sullivan in Main

NSW firies says govt cuts ‘unrealistic’

Updated August 07, 2012 11:49:14

Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher said savings had to be made and suggested firefighters stay within their overtime and sick leave budget.

But Jim Casey from the Fire Brigade Employees Union insists that is an unrealistic target.

“If every firefighter in the state stopped taking sick leave for the next 12 months, we still would not be able to meet the first year’s budget cuts,” Mr Casey said.

“The department, when they’re speaking to us, are saying that any station can be closed at any time.”

The union also disputes the minister’s claim that station closures are the same as those proposed by the previous Labor government.

The dispute will return to the Industrial Relations Commission on Thursday.

via abc.net.au

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-07/nsw-fire-station-cuts/4182556?section=nsw

About Darin Sullivan (1980 Articles)
Former President of the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (2009-2018) and a professional firefighter with more than 30 years experience. I live and work on the NSW South Coast, Australia. I am a strong advocate for firefighters and emergency service workers with an interest in mental health issues and caring for those around me. I am a former Director on the NSW Fire Brigades Death and Disability Super Fund and work with charities including ‘The Movember Foundation’. As a leader and activist I have long been active in the campaign for action on climate change. I am a Station Commander in the fire and rescue service in NSW and have 30 years experience fighting fires, both rural and urban. I am passionate about highlighting the impact climate change is having on fire preparedness and fire behaviour in Australia, and the risks associated with inaction on climate change. I am also a spokesperson for the Australian Climate Media Centre.

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