Released 30/05/2018
The ACT Government will employ six more ACT Policing staff and recruit 18 firefighters to keep our growing city safe.
The 2018-19 ACT Budget will invest in recruiting frontline police and firefighters to help ensure our emergency response times remain among the best in the country and Canberrans can continue to enjoy our safe community.
Four of the new police officers will be dedicated to expanding ACT Policing’s strategic analysis capability, helping identify and target crime hot spots and emerging risks. Another two officers will deliver improved surveillance capability to allow ACT Policing to monitor the activities of criminal gangs. This comes on top of the six police officers funded in the 2016-17 ACT Budget to help keep Canberra safe.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said that in addition to more frontline police, the 2018-19 ACT Budget will also invest in new smartphone equipment for all officers to improve operations.
“This technological solution will allow police officers to do more of their work while mobile. This investment will allow our police officers to spend more time in the community,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The recruitment of 18 new firefighters delivers on the Government commitment to ACT Fire and Rescue to replace retiring firefighters. Canberra’s firefighters don’t just help put out fires; they also act as first responders for a range of other emergencies from car accidents to power outages.
“These investments in police officers and firefighters come on top of the December 2017 announcement to deliver 23 more paramedics to the ACT Ambulance Service and demonstrates our Government’s commitment to keeping Canberrans safe by ensuring our emergency services are second to none.”
The 2018-19 ACT Budget will also invest in important equipment upgrades for the ACT Ambulance Service, including new defibrillators and electric stretchers for ambulances.
ACT Fire and Rescue will also benefit from investment in equipment with new cardiac monitors and defibrillators being installed on fire appliances, as well as new protective helmets.
To further support fast response times, the ACT Government is delivering on our 2016 election commitment to purchase a new aerial pumper for ACT Fire and Rescue. The custom-built appliance will add to the 15 fire trucks already in service across Canberra.
“This investment in frontline emergency services will mean a boost across the board for Canberra’s first responders,” Minister Gentleman concluded. This investment in more police, firefighters and equipment upgrades is just one example of the ACT Government investing in growing services for our growing city through the 2018-19 ACT Budget.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases