By leave: I support the motion moved by the awesome member for Blue Mountains and join the House in recognising the outstanding work of Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters and all emergency services personnel across our State. I commend the Government and Fire and Rescue NSW on the recent recruitment of new firefighters. Recruiting and retaining skilled emergency service personnel has never been more important. As our communities grow and the risks associated with natural disasters become more complex—particularly in my area on the northern beaches—ensuring that we have a strong, well‑trained and properly resourced firefighting workforce is critical. The member for Blue Mountains is rightly proud of the recruitment of six new firefighters in her community. Every new recruit strengthens not only their local brigade but also the broader emergency response capability of New South Wales.
On the northern beaches we understand just how important that capability is. I am advised we have recently received two new recruits at Dee Why Fire Station. I welcome this boost and thank those firefighters for choosing a career of service. I also take this opportunity to make the case for further investment in frontline staffing on the northern beaches. Our community sits between the coast and large areas of bushland. We face a diverse range of emergency risks, from residential and commercial fires to road accidents, hazardous material incidents, storm emergencies and bushfires. Our Fire and Rescue NSW stations work closely with the Rural Fire Service, SES, NSW Police Force and NSW Ambulance every day to keep our community safe.
Many residents may not realise the breadth of work undertaken by Fire and Rescue NSW. Firefighters are often first on scene to serious motor vehicle accidents. They undertake technical rescues, respond to chemical incidents, assist during major medical emergencies and play a vital role in community education and fire prevention. The professionalism displayed by these men and women is remarkable. They train continuously, operate in dangerous and unpredictable environments and are prepared to put themselves in harm's way to protect others. I also acknowledge the important role of the Fire Brigade Employees Union in representing firefighters and advocating for the safety and wellbeing of its members. A strong emergency service depends not only on recruitment but also upon ensuring that firefighters have safe working conditions, modern equipment and the support they need throughout their careers.
As we discuss firefighter recruitment, it is important to recognise the broader challenge of attracting and retaining essential workers. This is one of the reasons I am so committed to maximising key worker housing in the redevelopment of the former site of The Forest High School. Firefighters, nurses, police officers and teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live in the communities they serve. If we want strong emergency services, we must also ensure that essential workers can put down roots close to where they work. The Black Summer bushfires demonstrated the devastating consequences that extreme fire events can have on communities across our State.
Population growth and increasing development in bushfire‑prone areas mean that emergency services will face growing demands in the years ahead. That is why investment in people is just as important as investment in equipment and infrastructure. Every recruit represents additional capacity, resilience and protection for our communities. Finally, I thank all Fire and Rescue NSW personnel serving across New South Wales, including those serving on the northern beaches. I also acknowledge the many volunteers who support emergency response efforts across our State. Their commitment, professionalism and dedication help keep our communities safe every day. I commend the motion to the House and thank the member for Blue Mountains for bringing it forward.
Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains): In reply: Community safety relies on people who are willing to stand up and serve. Fire and Rescue NSW is built on exactly that commitment. That was recognised in members' contributions to this debate. I thank the members representing the electorates of Myall Lakes, Liverpool, Terrigal, The Entrance, Oxley, Pittwater and Wakehurst. Firefighters and staff from across Fire and Rescue NSW work around the clock to protect lives and property, often placing themselves in harm's way so that others can feel safe in their homes and workplaces. Recent recruitment efforts have reinforced the strength of Fire and Rescue NSW as a modern, capable emergency service. Every member who contributed to this debate spoke from experience about what Fire and Rescue NSW means to them. They spoke about not just the crews responding to fires and motor vehicle accidents but also them responding to floods on the Mid North Coast, attending graduation ceremonies, and participating in a training exercise. I spoke about watching my son get on a truck to attend an incident that he almost did not survive.
As part of the recruitment effort, Fire and Rescue NSW is focused on reflecting and representing the community it serves. If someone can see it, they believe it, and I commend Fire and Rescue NSW on its diversity and inclusion initiatives, one example being the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy designed by Indigenous Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters in partnership with TAFE NSW. The program is a recruitment readiness pathway designed to provide equity and opportunity for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people to gain employment with Fire and Rescue NSW. From over 100 applicants, 22 participants were invited to undertake the six‑month program, which started in March this year.
I again acknowledge the Fire Brigade Employees Union [FBEU]. I have worked with the FBEU for a long time, including during the Black Summer bushfires in my former role as the shadow Minister for Emergency Services. I acknowledge my friend Leighton Drury and the role that he plays in representing firefighters and supporting a safe, professional and well‑resourced workforce. Constructive engagement between the union that represents the workers, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Government helps to maintain high standards and a culture of respect and accountability. I thank the mighty FBEU, whose badge I proudly wear. Being a firefighter offers a person purpose, teamwork and the chance to make a tangible difference. It is a role that demands courage and compassion in equal measure, and one that earns deep respect across the community.
I honour two retired firefighters from my electorate: Ian Sargent and Bruce Cameron. Thank you, fellas, for inspiring your colleagues, for your service, and for still speaking up on behalf of firefighters despite battling work‑related cancers. Whilst this motion focuses on recruitment, it is important that I acknowledge with respect those who have led in the past, those whose shoulders on which others stand. Finally, I give a shout‑out to the retained and permanent Fire and Rescue NSW stations in the Blue Mountains. They love the fact that I know their station numbers. I thank all the crews from the 301, 445, 359, 495, 361, 343, 226 and 386 crews. I commend the motion to the House.
04 June 2026, 14:30