Ministerial media releases

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Minister for Emergency Services Michael Gallacher today announced the NSW Government has put in place legal protections to ensure emergency services volunteers involved in current bush fire fighting operations are not penalised by their employer for giving up their time.

• NSW Government Acts to Protect Volunteer Firefighters.pdf (147.6 KB)

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell today welcomed the arrival of the 'Gypsy Lady' firefighting Air-Crane to NSW, further bolstering the Rural Fire Service's aerial water-bombing capability this summer.

• Air Crane Arrives for NSW Fire Season.pdf (147.3 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has today paid tribute to emergency service volunteers who have lost their life while protecting others.

• Minister Pays Tribute to Emergency Service Volunteers.pdf (89.1 KB)

Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher and Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons have urged residents in bush fire prone areas across the state to prepare now, with the official start to the bush fire season.

• Preparation vital for bush fire danger period.pdf (23.7 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has congratulated the NSW Police and Emergency Service personnel who have received awards in today's Queen's Birthday Honours.

• Queen's Birthday Honours List.pdf (170.6 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher today announced the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Cadet of the Year.

• Emergency Services Minister announces cadets of the year.pdf (111.8 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher today urged householders not to be complacent after it was revealed that while the vast majority of NSW residents considered their homes and family fire safe, most had not practiced how to escape should a blaze start.

• Minister launches new winter fire safety campaign.pdf (98.4 KB)

Twelve businesses supporting NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers were today singled out for praise by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher and Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers. Each business has been awarded a Special Commendation in recognition of their support.

• Businesses praised for exceptional volunteer support.pdf (215.8 KB)

Employers are a vital part of the volunteer firefighting effort in NSW and today Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher launched a program to recognise their contribution at the Wentworthville Leagues Club in Western Sydney.

• Honouring the hidden support.pdf (26.5 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has congratulated 22 Police and Emergency Service personnel who are receiving awards as part of Australia Day celebrations.