Media Release – Monday 23 November 2009
WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR OWN BACKYARD
“An immediate overhaul of our rural fire services is required to deal with the long
term affect of climate change”, says Deborah Burt, the *Climate Change Coalition
Candidate (CCC) for the Bradfield by-election
A national approach is needed to pool our knowledge and resources, standardize
our training and equipment used, with payment for the fire fighters who protect
our homes and property under extreme conditions.
“Bushfire risk is set to rise by 50% in coming decades yet the ranks of the rural
fire service are dwindling in many areas”, says Deborah Burt. “Like the general
population, the profile of our volunteers is aging - there are fewer people who can
afford the time or lost wages to fight fires that are becoming larger and more
frequent”.
In October 2009, Mr Rudd announced the allocation of funds to enable the rapid
deployment of Australian ‘civilian specialists’ into overseas disaster or conflict
zones.
“Whilst we fully support Australia contributing to international relief efforts and
being a good global citizen, the effects of climate change goes unaddressed by
this Government and our volunteer resources continue to be stretched to
breaking point.
“Meeting the challenges of climate change means that at least volunteers
deserve to be paid for their services, in no different way than the urban part time
fire fighters or army reserve. They deserve our support and quite frankly, it’s long
overdue.
“We propose to fund this National approach from a carbon tax.
“We don’t support an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), but a carbon tax. This
would provide certainty and a guaranteed price for both business and consumers
will also raise funds that can be directed to climate challenges in our own
backyard”, says Deborah Burt.
For further information contact Deborah Burt – 02 9876 4509 – 0402 828 835
*Application has been made at the Australian Electoral Commission to change
the name of Climate Change Coalition to 4Change. The name change was not
finalised prior to the calling of the Bradfield by- election. Our candidate will be
running as a member of the Climate Change Coalition.
NEWS 
