The aging and breakdown-prone Bronto, "the ACT's only specialised aerial firefighting unit" will be replaced with e new $2.2 million vehicle, according to a report in The Canberra Times of 8 May 2019. The government has also confirmed it had "signed off on a new $2 million pumper." In response to both announcements, UFU ACT Secretary, Greg McConville, said, "It's a welcome … [Read more...]
Overtime taking its toll on ACT emergency services workers
This story in the Canberra Times of 21 April 2019 reports on the growing problem of increasing amounts of overtime being worked in the ACT emergency services, including much of it by firefighters, at a growing personal cost to them and a mounting monetary cost to taxpayers. … [Read more...]
Firefighters yet to receive practical training to deal with light rail incidents
The Canberra Times of 17 March 2019 reports of rising concerns that "frontline firefighters are yet to receive practical training to deal with light rail incidents", yet they are already responding to emergencies. UFU Branch Secretary, Greg McConville, expressed concern over the level of training provided to date, noting that "the number of people hit by light rail vehicles … [Read more...]
Light rail rescue response plan slammed by UFU
The Canberra Times of 3 March 2019 reports that "firefighters' union has slammed authorities' plan to respond to light rail incidents, saying firefighters will be left waiting for key pieces of rescue equipment that could be "the difference between life and death" in emergencies." … [Read more...]
Budget allocates $2.3m for protective firefighter gear
United Firefighters Union ACT Branch Secretary, Greg McConville, has welcomed the ACT Government's budget decision to allocate $2.3 million for new protective outerwear firefighting garments. A story on this item appeared in the Canberra Times on 23 January 2019. The clothing will consist of an outer tunic and over pants, in addition to the funding for new flamepoof, … [Read more...]