Govt says thanks for fighting fires

The Government has acknowledged the dedicated effort of Defence personnel in the recent bushfires crisis.

In Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary to Defence Fran Bailey said ADF members had shown the same spirit, character and versatility during the bushfires as in many other emergencies.

“ADF personnel again demonstrated strength of character and versatility as they worked shoulder to shoulder with firefighters over the holidays against some of the most fearsome bushfires we have seen in this country,” she said.

“Faced with an enemy of a different kind, Defence personnel were quick to respond, postponing regular duties to lend a mate a hand and providing invaluable backup and support to weary fire fighters.

“And as we have come to expect, the Defence personnel acted with the utmost professionalism, stamina and courage to support the efforts of the volunteer fire fighters and emergency service workers, pitching in to defend communities against the peril of the firestorms.”

The dedication and response by Defence personnel during emergencies had become become an all too familiar sight.

“These occasions represent major contributions to co-ordinated national emergencies, outside of wartime when, often with little acknowledgement, Defence personnel use their skills and training to help fellow countrymen and women in time of need.

“My thoughts are with the RAAF member whose wife passed away in the bushfires in Canberra and to others who lost homes or all their possessions – we stand with you as you assess and rebuild.

“We are a nation characterised by our enduring spirit of giving, by our strong sense of mateship and our willingness to lend a hand in times of crisis and we should count ourselves lucky that our armed forces espouse these very qualities. We are privileged to have them and should repay them with loyalty, support and understanding.”