MEDIA RELEASE 17 NOVEMBER 2000

FIREFIGHTERS UNION WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS

“The announcement of three new members of the Fire Service Commission is welcomed by the Firefighters Union,” said Derek Best, Secretary of the Firefighters Union, in reaction to the news that Terry Scott, Angela Foulkes and Piers Reid are to join the Commission.

“Not only does this announcement mean new people on the Commission, it also ends the appointment of Brian Stanley who was Roger Estall’s right hand man. This is overwhelmingly good news for the Fire Service and has been extremely well received by the Fire Service” said Derek Best.

“Stanley’s contribution was always negative and his antipathy towards professional firefighters was no secret at all,” said Derek Best.

“Terry Scott and Angela Foulkes come from a strong Trade Union background and consequently firefighters expect some real recognition of the legitimate rights and expectations of front-line firefighters” said Derek Best.

“As well, and just as importantly, Terry Scott, with his long service as a Senior Operational Officer, brings to the Commission for the first time in a long time, someone on the Commission with senior front-line operational experience,” Derek Best said.

“That the Commission’s make-up now meets statutory requirements can only make for far better decision making. The ignorance of previous Commissions
regarding firefighting itself was quite staggering,” said Derek Best.

“Firefighters were under no illusion that the previous Commission opposed Government policy and put every obstacle in the way of that policy being implemented. It was the same story as far as settling a renewed Collective Agreement for Firefighters. With three new Commissioners, firefighters are very hopeful that Government policy will now be implemented and real progress on settling a renewed Collective Agreement will quickly be made,” concluded Derek Best.

Derek Best can be contacted on (025) 440 985

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