Below are lists of current MPs and candidates who have signed the Tasmanian Fire Safety pledge to support:
– additional 24-hour crews on the North West Coast
– an additional Field Officer in each of the 10 fire districts to support volunteer Firefighters
– Retain the statutory authority of the State Fire Commission
Progress of goals:
Additional 24 Hour Crews on the North West Coast (stage one trial undertaken)
In August 2021, the government provided a commitment that TFS will investigate the implementation of additional crews with a commitment to establish at minimum, one additional 8 hour Day crew on the NW Coast. This trial was undertaken in Devonport and the data collection period has concluded, with the future of the additional crew uncertain.
Additional Field Officers (trial funding secured)
The state government has provided funding for 3 Field-based positions that will undertake recruiting and administrative roles in support of volunteer Firefighters. While this funding is welcomed, it does not resolve the original need for additional operational support for volunteer Firefighters.
The federal government has provide funding to enable a trial to provide additional operational support to volunteer Firefighters, but this is yet to be implemented.
Statutory Authority of State Fire Commission (all parties support*)
In September 2021, the Tasmanian Liberal government announced that the State Fire Commission would remain a statutory authority. *In 2023, the Liberal party broke their commitment to retain the statutory authority of the State Fire Commission by proposing legislation that would remove all statutory authority, establishing an advisory committee.
Current members of parliament who have signed the Tasmanian Fire Safety Pledge:
House of Assembly (18/35)
Michelle O’Byrne (Labor)
Anita Dow (Labor)
Shane Broad (Labor)
Ella Haddad (Labor)
Kristy Johnston (Independent)
David O’Byrne (Independent)
Craig Garland (Independent)
Rosalie Woodruff (Green)
Jen Butler (Labor)
Rebecca White (Labor)
Janie Finlay (Labor)
Josh Willie (Labor)
Meg Brown (Labor)
Dean Winter (Labor)*
Vica Bailey (Green)*
Cecily Rosol (Green)*
Helen Burnet (Green)*
Tabatha Badger (Green)*
*Have not signed the pledge, but would be expected to support party policy in line with pledge.
JLN are yet to form a fire policy, but have committed to support additional Field Officers and elected MPs will develop a fire policy in the coming weeks.
Legislative Council (3/15)
Craig Farrell (Labor)
Sarah Lovell (Labor)
Luke Edmunds (Labor)*
2024 State Election candidates who signed the Tasmanian Fire Safety Pledge by electorate:
Bass
Michelle O’Byrne (Labor)
Ivan Davis (Animal Justice)
Lara Alexander (Independent)
Janie Finlay (Labor)
Braddon
Craig Garland (Independent)
Dale Marshall (Shooters Fishers Farmers)
Anita Dow (Labor)
Shane Broad (Labor)
Chris Lynch (Labor)
Amanda Diprose (Labor)
Craig Cutts (Jacqui Lambie Network)
Clark
Rebecca Prince (Labor)
Sam Campbell (The Local Network)
Renae Zollner (The Local Network)
Josh Willie (Labor)
Ella Haddad (Labor)
Kristie Johnston (Independent)
Sue Hickey (Independent)
Franklin
Gideon Cordover (Greens)
Phil Pregnell (Labor)
David O’Byrne (Independent)
Rosalie Woodruff (Green)
Meg Brown (Labor)
Chris Hannan (Jacqui Lambie Network)
Lyons
Wayne Turale (Shooters Fishers Farmers)
Ray Williams (Shooters Fishers Farmers)
Rebecca White (Labor)
Jen Butler (Labor)
Ben Dudman (Labor)
Casey Farrell (Labor)
John Tucker (Independent)