Minister addresses Rural Fire Association State Council
31st October 2009Ministerial media release
Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan today addressed the State Council meeting of the Rural Fire Services Association and reiterated the Rees Labor Government's record funding and independence of the Rural Fire Service in new Super Department.
"The commitments to the Rural Fire Service Association which were outlined in August 2009 by the Premier remain unchanged," Mr Whan said.
"There will be no changes to the legal or financial status of the RFS or to the authority of the Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service.
"There will be no change to the current statutory arrangements under the Rural Fires Act 1997.
"The Rural Fire Fighting Fund will continue to be separately maintained and the resources will continue to be dedicated to the purposes of the Rural Fires Act 1997.
"The authority of the Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service as the head of the organisation remains unchanged, and the Commissioner's line of accountability to the Minister for Emergency Services will remain unchanged.," Mr Whan said.
The Minister for Emergency Services retains responsibility for the current portfolio budget and for bringing forward matters for consideration by the Government in relation to the RFS.
"The Rees Labor Government is keen to ensure NSW public sector agencies are efficient and effective. To this end, we are committed to reducing waste and inefficiency. This will free up resources to support important front line work, like that of rural fire fighters.
"It is important to recognise that all departments - whether part of a super-agency or not - still have accountability to Central Departments such as Treasury and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
"Like all other NSW Government organisations, the RFS is required to make efficiency savings.
"However, unlike other agencies, the savings made by the Rural Fire Service will be redirected to support the front line work of the RFS. This will ensure the RFS funding contributions from insurers, local government and the NSW Government are maintained.
"This will allow the RFS to continue to be the world class organisation it has become and it's national and international reputation to remain intact. This is vital when the RFS are asked for assistance in other jurisdictions.
Minister addresses Rural Fire Association State Council (PDF 32KB)