David asked questions about:
• The relationship between the commissioner and the relevant unions
• The average age of the fire engine fleet
• The number of fire stations taken offline because of budget cuts
Questions were asked about the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue’s work with the union representing firefighters. The Commissioner advised that he is engaging with the union secretary and president about this matter. It was pretty clear that the Commissioner is in need of more positive and creative ways to engage with the union.
The average age of fire engines in the NSW fleet was discussed. The average age has increased from 8 to 10, but mainly because funds have been diverted to the maintenance of heritage such as fire stations. The age target which Commissioner Mullins would like to reach is 10-11 years.
Commissioner Mullins also confirmed that there is a hard limit of 8 fire stations to be taken temporarily offline over weekends, though often no fire stations are taken offline. This was directly attributed to the reform of firefighters’ sick leave, which has declined 21 per cent since November 2012.
The number of fire stations being taken off line is a continuing concern to the FBEU and the public. With the recent bush fires a number of stations that had been taken off line were unable to promptly respond.
Questions taken on notice:
• On which occasions was the limit of 8 fire stations taken temporarily offline breached, and the details regarding those events.
After the hearing a number of supplementary questions on notice were also submitted. Answers to questions taken on notice during the hearing and supplementary questions are due on 9 September 2013. These will appear here.