Whistleblower sounds bushfire alarm

21 December 2021

Published by https://newsnationusa.com/

AUSTRALIA – There are growing fears that a shortage of technicians within Western Australia’s fire service may have a catastrophic and potentially even deadly impact on the bushfire season.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is struggling to keep the staff, who are vital to ensuring firefighting vehicles and equipment are in good working order.

The lure of significantly more money working in the booming mining industry is partly responsible for the exodus.

It is understood technicians earn about $70,000 per year, but can make more than double that salary working in a fly-in, fly-out position.

A DFES insider, who wanted to remain anonymous, told NCA NewsWire the usual team of about 15 technicians — including mechanical technicians, boilermakers, welder fabricators and electricians — had dwindled down, with only two staff working on some days.

But the AMWU said there were eight full-time positions, being covered by 10 people, with several employees on long-term leave.

The insider said technicians at DFES were expected to be highly skilled but were not paid well for their efforts.

They also said there was a severe lack of resources to keep up with the maintenance and repairs required.

“Everyone knows there is a problem and everyone is concerned about the bushfire season,” they said.

According to a DFES job advertisement for a mechanical technician, the role involves working in a team to service, repair and maintain DFES fleet vehicles, as well as handheld firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, oxy-viva, rescue and chemical gas.

“Mechanical technicians undertake quality assurance on work completed internally and by external service providers to ensure that the quality of work is maintained,” the advertisement read.

“They also provide technical advice and training as required.”