Ah but would they walk?
And would CFS fill the breech?
SAMFS & CFS needs to really stop and look at the service they provide to the state - the whole state!
There are under utilised SAMFS resources around the state.
These resources could be redeployed to the new stations in Adelaide & the wages saved used to recruit new fire fighters.
Or resources that are in the city during the day, could be moved during to the outer stations at night.
People need to understand that its not a bottomless pit of dollars, ESL only pays for around 50% of the cost of the emergency services.
We collectively have some of the best equipment in the country, we expect it!
We have GRN, some other states have too, others are just now looking at it.
We have PPE that the eastern states only dream of, vehicles too. Remember that in most states both fire & SES vollies services still rely on hand outs.
In reality we are a lower to middle class state, yet want everthing the rich folks have!
The sad reality is the general population don't give a toss, as long as someone turns up!
So what argument could the UFU use to justify their position?
I haven't seen any support from the public so far.
And if CFS steps in to fill the gap they will be strike breakers - goodbye building bridges.
Seems like a good way to break both fire services to me
As I said before both services need to take a long hard dispassionate look at their service delivery and find ways to a)deliver better services & b) save the government money or at least be cost neutral.
It is really unfortunate that we have to think in those terms, personally I believe the emergency services should be above all of that but thats not what Joe public wants - it sucks.
Finally remember where the SAFECOM CEO came from prior to SES & what one of his major achievements were.
With that thought cheers
