Page 2942 - Week 09 - Thursday, 18 September 2014
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is more a matter to deal with the interjector rather than to deal with the member who is responding to the interjection. That is certainly consistent with House of Representatives Practice guidance on these matters.
MADAM SPEAKER: On the matter of indulgence, I thank you for drawing that to my attention; it is a reasonable point. I think that there has been a fairly high level of interjection in the Assembly this week and it has been responded to by a fairly high level of calling to order by me and going as far as warning people.
Emergency Services Agency—fire and rescue service
MS LAWDER: My question is to the minister for emergency services. Minister, as a consequence of the fire in the Sydney Building the ACT’s Fire & Rescue high-lift platform known as the Bronto was deployed all day at the fire. ACT Fire & Rescue only has one Bronto and as a consequence ACT Fire & Rescue contacted the New South Wales Fire Brigade to arrange for assistance in the form of an additional Bronto to be dispatched to the ACT. Minister, is it true that the ESA Commissioner contacted the New South Wales Fire Brigade and turned the vehicle back, overriding ACT Fire & Rescue’s request?
MR CORBELL: Whether or not that is true, I will seek further clarification on, but what I would say is that it is entirely the responsibility of the ESA Commissioner to coordinate requests for interstate assistance should that be required. Whilst I do not accept the characterisation that Ms Lawder makes on this matter—and indeed whether or not it is true is yet to be ascertained—it is the case that the ESA Commissioner is entirely responsible for ensuring and determining whether or not requests for interstate assistance should be put in place by any of our emergency services.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, is it the case that the ESA Commissioner directed ACT Fire and Rescue officers on how to fight the fire in the Sydney Building, contrary to the Emergencies Act?
MR CORBELL: No, that is not the case.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, is it true that the fire officer appropriately rebuffed the commissioner’s directions?
MADAM SPEAKER: Sorry, Mr Smyth; I did not hear that.
MR SMYTH: Minister, is it true that the fire officer appropriately rebuffed the commissioner’s directions?
MR CORBELL: I am not aware of any such suggestion.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
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