SA Fire Heroes – Save the Day and Shouldn’t Pay
Following is a letter I wrote to the SA Emergency Services re: Volunteers having to pay the ESL (Emergency Services Levy).
I am writing today to acknowledge the efforts of the amazing men & women in our emergency services, and in particular the wonderful contribution of the volunteers.
These volunteers who ‘have the public’s back’ while we sleep or go about our daily lives, are protecting us and our properties 24/7. It is very comforting to know that we have these guardian angels ready to spring into action the instant their pager goes off.
I just wanted to remind everyone that the volunteers all over Australia not only give up their time when a fire or incident occurs, they also put their lives at risk for no monetary or personal gain. The volunteers train each week (over many years) to hone their skills to be ready to act in an emergency, and often get deployed for weeks at a time to assist in other states when required.
This commitment needs to be applauded and rewarded, and in my opinion they should not be charged the Emergency Services Levy at the very least. I didn’t want to make this email political (but I guess I just have), as my main intention was to acknowledge our thousands of ‘overall clad heroes’ and just say a very sincere ‘Thank You’.
These men and women still have a big fight on their hands with this fire, and their role doesn’t stop when the fire is under control, there is the clean up and all that comes with it. Can I suggest that we think about our volunteers at this time and especially on Australia Day, as it is these people who contribute to Australia having the international reputation of having a ‘fighting Aussie spirit’.
Well done people….you are bloody awesome!
