The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman, announced on 15 June 2018 that 17 new firefighters have been successfully recruited to join the ranks of ACT Fire & Rescue after completing their 20-week intensive training course. Among the new firefighters graduating were four females and two indigenous recruits. … [Read more...]
Firefighters’ toxic contamination concerns in Canberra
Concerns have been raised by the UFU and fire fighters about repeated exposure to toxic PFAS foam chemicals at Fyshwick and other fire stations around Canberra, and the alleged subsequent lack of action by government to address the issue. The Canberra Times of 13 June 2018 reports that "the government admits the [Fyshwick] site hasn’t been tested despite known risks of … [Read more...]
Signal 7: Call to ‘Change the Rules’ Rally on 19 June
UFU MEMBERS ARE URGED TO SUPPORT A RALLY AIMED AT CHANGING THE RULES. Details: 19 June, Midday to 1 pm, Parliament House Lawn Muster by 11.30 hrs sharp at Rose Garden, next to Old Parliament House Reply: A Text message will be sent to all UFU members asking for a reply The UFU has been singled out for radical changes to the Fair Work Act. Read more about it in the … [Read more...]
PFAS contaminated site sold by ACT Gov for child care centre
Concerns about the use and possible contamination legacy of PFAS chemicals around Canberra and interstate continue to mount, with another article in the Canberra Times of 18 June 2018 … [Read more...]
Toxic fire fighting foams: a legacy of contamination at nine ACT fire stations ?
The Canberra Times of 11 June 2018 reports that according to government briefings from December 2017 "toxic fire fighting foams could have left a legacy of contamination at nine fire stations across the ACT as well as defence department and police facilities". The news article states that potentially-harmful polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which were "present in aqueous … [Read more...]