Australian Unions has initiated a petition against NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell's cuts to the NSW fire service. Text is below, sign it here.
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As brave firies fight the worst bushfires to hit NSW in 45 years, you might be shocked to learn that the O'Farrell government has cut $70 million from the budget resulting in multiple fire station closures -- putting lives at risk, just at the moment we most need protection.
"Budget cuts ... over the last 10 months have meant professionally crewed fire stations in the Sutherland Shire have been closed 64 times," says Fire Brigade Employees Union secretary Jim Casey.
Permanently staffed stations had never been closed before the O'Farrell government's election and subsequent $70 million cuts.
"We are being hamstrung by political budget cuts making it harder for us to do that important work and potentially putting lives at risk," Mr Casey said.
Add your name and tell Barry O'Farrell: stop the cuts, support our brave firies, and put our safety first!