7/11/03
In a national first, emergency service volunteers may soon be receiving tax benefits through a new system being driven by Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts.
Mrs Roberts today released a review recommending a national tax rebate system for the 250,000 emergency services volunteers throughout Australia. These include urban and rural firefighters, State Emergency Service, ambulance and volunteer marine rescue.
The Minister said emergency service volunteers did a tremendous job under difficult circumstances and it was essential to create a new fair tax system that didn't leave the volunteers out of pocket.
"These people are totally committed to making our communities safer," she said.
"Volunteers not only donate many hours of their personal time, but they are prepared to risk their own lives to help others in times of need.
"I believe the Federal Government should establish tax concessions for these men and women that acknowledge the incredible sacrifices they make to provide our communities with essential emergency services."
Mrs Roberts said the national review into the tax concessions was conducted on behalf of all the States and Territories by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), following widespread support for the proposal at a meeting of Emergency Services Ministers last year.
"This is about national recognition for this dedicated and committed group of people who make themselves available at all hours of the day, seven days a week," she said.
Emergency Services Ministers will meet next year to discuss the proposal once the three-month consultation period has closed.
Mrs Roberts, who released the review at the National Medals presentation today, presented national medals and service clasps to 153 volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and Fire and Rescue Service firefighters.
While the majority of medals recognized 15 years of service, there were 19 firefighters who received service clasps for 45 years' service and two who received service clasps for 55 years' service.
The Minister said that all award recipients displayed an outstanding dedication and commitment to the community and Fire Services.
"I am sure I speak for every Western Australian when I say volunteers are a unique and wonderful group of people," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
