Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [11.42 a.m.]: The Minister for Emergency Services is no longer at the table so I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, the member for Wyong, who is wearing an armband in recognition of the fact that it is National SES Week, to bring my private member's statement to the attention of the Minister. First, I acknowledge the efforts of permanent firefighters and the excellent professional service to the community provided by retained firefighters in the Lismore electorate, especially the city of Lismore. However, I was disturbed recently to receive a representation from members of the Lismore fire brigade highlighting difficulties in keeping retained firefighters. Currently the brigade has 13 retained firefighters but the optimum number is 20. Four permanent crews are present at the station from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day. Retained firefighters back them up during the day but they become crucial after 6.00 p.m., when they are on call for emergencies.

The problem has been ongoing. Lismore and Goonellabah stations have experienced staffing problems since 2002-03. At that time the then Mayor of Lismore City Council, Ros Irwin, and I approached the then commissioner. In September 2001 an undertaking was given that permanent staff would be provided in two stages. The first stage would provide daytime staffing from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and the second stage would deliver 24-hour staffing within two years. Representations continued to be made and the then mayor highlighted the fact that it was unacceptable for NSW Fire Brigades to delay the matter. For some unknown reason that promise has been watered down over time and NSW Fire Brigades management does not now seem to regard staffing in the Lismore electorate as a priority. However, I assure NSW Fire Brigades that the community considers this issue to be very important and believes adequate staffing levels are critical.

I shall write to the Minister, calling for a review of the situation at Lismore and Goonellabah fire stations and an update on the staffing request. The community and I are very concerned about this understaffing and how the firefighters will cope during emergencies. The failure to provide staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week could have a significant impact, and this is of concern. The matter must be clarified because the ramifications of not having sufficient retained firefighters could be serious. I ask the Minister to address this matter. It is crucial that a city the size of Lismore has the necessary staff to ensure community safety. The problem has been ongoing since 2001 and is a matter of concern to Lismore City Council, firefighters, the community and to me. We need an assurance from the Minister that the promise that was given will be delivered so that the community will be safe.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.46 a.m.]: I thank the member for Lismore for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. Obviously staffing the fire stations in his electorate is causing considerable concern to his community. I undertake to draw the Minister's attention to his private member's statement and to advise the Minister that the member will write to him about the issue.