Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Hon Rob Horstman MLC, has called on the Cook Labor Government to publicly release a fuel contingency plan for essential emergency services such as St John’s Ambulance and Volunteer Bushfire Brigades.
Mr Horstman said WA’s current fuel crisis, coupled with the impact of Cyclone Narelle, has created a concerning situation, particularly in regional WA.
“I ask the Minister to provide an assurance to first responders that they will have access to vital fuel reserves in the coming days, and in the coming weeks,”
“The Minister for Emergency Services has confirmed that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) will have access to emergency fuel reserves, however we are yet to be assured St Johns Ambulance Services and Volunteer Bush fire Brigades will be afforded the same.” Mr Horstman said.
“There is still no publicly available plan to guarantee fuel for non-government emergency services, and in regional WA these are often the first responders,”
“In an emergency every minute counts, and now more than ever, so does every litre,” he cautioned.
In Parliament earlier this month Mr Horstman questioned the security of fuel supply to emergency services and while it was confirmed DFES holds a reserve and is monitoring supplies no assurance was given that St John Ambulance or volunteer brigades outside the DFES fleet would have fuel security.
“The public still has no clear explanation of how St John’s, local government fire brigades and other volunteer based services will be prioritised if supply tightens further,” he said.
“Considering the impact of Cyclone Narelle, it is now paramount the Cook Labor Government provide a clear, whole of system fuel access plan that includes every frontline responder.”
“Western Australians deserve confidence that when they dial triple zero, help can actually get to them – regardless of what is happening at the bowser.”