Concerns expressed by the United Firefighters' Union and many others about the uncertainties surrounding the use and residual effects of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the ACT and beyond continue to grow. The latest story in the Canberra Times of 26 June 2018 reports on confusion within the Emergency Services Agency about whether fire fighting trucks carry … [Read more...]
17 new firefighters recruited to ACT Fire & Rescue
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...]
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...]
UFU: ACT government budget for fire fighting ‘simply not good enough’
A report in the Canberra Times on 30 May 2018 quotes Greg McConville from the United Firefighters' Union (UFU) as saying the government’s plans for resourcing ACT Fire and Rescue were “simply not good enough”. That is, the budget allocations made by the ACT Government not good enough to fund the number of fire fighters needed for the growing city of Canberra and, while the … [Read more...]