Ministerial Statements — Fire and Emergency Services—New South Wales Deployment

I wish to make a ministerial statement on sending firefighters to New South Wales. The Government is closely watching the situation with these horrific fires, and our thoughts are with our neighbours across the Tasman during this challenging time. As of yesterday morning, there were 100 active bushfire-related incidents across Queensland and New South Wales. New Zealanders will remember the challenges faced during the Tasman wildfires earlier this year. During that event, Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded quickly and capably. We are thankful that no lives were lost here. The conditions being faced in Australia are unprecedented, and it’s the first time since 2009, when the fire danger ratings were introduced, that catastrophic fire weather conditions are in place for the Greater Sydney area. Queensland has declared a state of fire emergency, and a total fire ban remains in place in New South Wales.

Today, in support of Australian firefighters, Fire and Emergency is deploying 21 New Zealand firefighters to help fight the Queensland wildfires that have been raging for the past nine weeks. The New Zealand contingent of six three-person crews, consisting of two task force leaders and one liaison officer, will fly from Auckland this afternoon and begin operations on Wednesday. These crews are in addition to the six New Zealand personnel currently assisting in New South Wales. The request to provide this assistance is in recognition of the high regard in which our fire and emergency personnel are held internationally.

Their deployment is part of the reciprocal arrangements we have with Australia, along with the US and Canada. We assist them when they need our help, and they are available to assist us if we need their support. In the past 12 months, 140 New Zealand firefighters have gone to help in Australia. Deployments such as this also provide valuable deployment opportunities, or development opportunities, for our personnel. Some of the lessons learnt over the past overseas deployments were put into practice at the Tasman fires in February.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, and Fire and Emergency remain in contact with Australian fire authorities about their needs. The situation in Australia is changing rapidly, and deployment details are likely to change at short notice. I’m sure the best wishes of the whole Parliament and all New Zealanders are with all the firefighters combatting these terrible fires in extremely challenging positions. Take care of yourselves, and we appreciate your efforts.

💬 Stuart Smith: Mr Speaker.

Oh, I’ve lost his name. Stuart Smith—I apologise.

It’s all right, Mr Speaker. The National Party supports sending firefighters to Australia. Australia and New Zealand, whilst fierce rivals on the sporting field, have a long history of mateship off it, and it is important we support each other in tough times. We commend the decision to send firefighters to Australia to support and assist in whatever way we can and bring these fires under control as quickly as possible. We offer our best wishes to all these firefighters, both the New Zealanders travelling over and those already on the ground, and hope they all return home safely.