Hodgman and Shelton fail to act as bushfire season starts

Tasmanian Labor
  • Tasmanian firefighters should be thanked for hard work
  • Government has failed to implement previous recommendations
  • Remote Area Teams still grounded
  • After a day of dangerous fires in regional Tasmania, it is already clear that the Minority Liberal Government has failed to listen to warnings from experts.

    Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Jen Butler said the Government is failing to keep people and property safe.

    “It was only due to the tireless hard work and expertise of the Tasmanian Fire Service and volunteer firefighters than there was not more damage yesterday around Lachlan, Scamander and Elderslie,” Ms Butler said.

    “Even in October, Tasmanian skies were filled with smoke and people have had to evacuate their homes due to the threat of fires but still the Liberals won’t act.

    “We know that this Government has failed to implement key changes recommended in reports following previous bushfire seasons.

    “At the same time, remote area firefighting teams are not able to do their jobs because of Will Hodgman and Mark Shelton’s inaction.

    “Parks, who among other duties perform fuel reduction burns to keep communities safe, is shamefully understaffed and will feel the full force of the Liberals $450 million of budget cuts.

    “Tasmanians deserve to know their Government will do all it can to keep them safe from bushfires but the Liberals are determined to put cuts before community safety.”

    Jen Butler MP – Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

    /Public Release. View in full here.