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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 3 Hansard (27 May) . . Page.. 682 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

Mr Speaker, the more we use these volunteer personnel, or whatever resources that are available not just to the ACT but also for cross-border purposes, the more it augurs well for a relationship within the region. It is fair to say that the bushfire personnel also have the support of the other three services - police, ambulance and permanent firefighters, which Mr Berry would, no doubt, have some appreciation of. These volunteers back up the three emergency services from time to time. I can recall in Belconnen in 1995 that two young persons were lost in a water storm - - -

Mr Stanhope: Stormwater drain.

MR HIRD: Stormwater drain. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that. It was of some concern not just to the parents but to all those in the Belconnen area. The people that assisted the police at that time were volunteers. They used their expertise to rescue these young people and they are to be commended for it. An example of the way the Government has brought the four groupings together - as I am sure Mr Corbell would understand - is in Gungahlin, where the Emergency Service personnel are now in one centre. I think that is the way to go. It is a positive step. We note that even the police are now going to be on shopfronts. The Minister announced this just recently. This augurs well for our Emergency Service personnel. The more we can utilise the facilities, the better response time we can get. They have to be used on a professional basis. If a natural disaster occurs, not just in the ACT but within the region, the response has to go well.

MR SPEAKER: Order! It being 5.30 pm, in accordance with standing order 34 the Assembly stands adjourned.

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