Heat is on for new fire fund model

THE body representing the state’s volunteer firefighters has joined calls for an overhaul of funding to Tasmanian fire services.

The state government confirmed a new funding model was being finalised, but stopped short of committing to a new levy as recommended by a 2020 review.

Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association (TVFBA) state president Rob Atkins said the state’s emergency service would need to evolve to serve the state’s predicted population of 646,000 by 2033.

Mr Atkins said the immediate need was to ensure a consistent model for funding volunteer brigades across the state.

“The projected growth to have 79,000 more residents by 2033, with most living outside the larger population centres, will strongly impact our regional volunteer brigades,” Mr Atkins said.

“Funding for the fire service has been inconsistent for years and there’s now a critical need to have a funding model which is consistent, fair and sustainable into the future.”

Following last month’s bushfire at Rosebery, Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis reiterated the government’s commitment to overhaul funding for firefighters.

A 2020 review of the Fire Service Act by former auditorgeneral Mike Blake recommended simpler property and motor vehicle-based levies to fund a merged Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service.

Revised funding arrangements are expected to be included in a new Fire Service Act, due to be tabled soon.

“The TFS and emergency services are funded by a system which is not fit for purpose,” Mr Ellis said.

“It has been the subject of Parliamentary Committees and two independent reviews, with repeated recommendations for improvements.

“We are committed to establishing a fair and sustainable funding model to ensure critical emergency services are provided to our community.

“Ensuring a fair and sustainable funding model is vital, particularly with the increased frequency of emergency events such as the October floods and the recent Rosebery bushfire.”

Earlier this month Labor released Right to Information documents showing the TFS had 28 unfilled positions at the height of the fire season.

The state government said there were more positions in fire and emergency services than ever before.