Another CFS brigade joins ESL protest

The Echunga CFS Brigade has joined forces with other CFS brigades across the State in refusing to attend any bushfires on government land, including national parks, in protest against the Weatherill Labor Government’s massive Emergency Services Levy (ESL) hikes.

Echunga CFS Captain, Mark Clothier, told The Courier newspaper that:

“As CFS members, we protest the State Government’s huge increases in the ESL and offer support for the West Coast brigades who have responded by refusing to manage fires on Government land.”

“South Australians across the State continue to be outraged about the Weatherill Labor Government’s exorbitant ESL tax hike,” said Shadow Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Michelle Lensink.

In response to learning that CFS volunteers were threatening to strike over the Weatherill Labor Government’s exorbitant increases to the Emergency Services Levy, Treasurer Koutsantonis replied:

“There are thousands of other volunteers who’ll take their place.” (11/09/14)

“Treasurer Kousantonis’ comments highlight just how out of touch the Weatherill Labor

Government is with ordinary South Australians,” said Michelle Lensink.

“I encourage all South Australians to write to Independent Ministers Geoff Brock and Martin Hamilton-Smith and let them know in no uncertain terms what they think about being hit with these massive ESL increases.

“It is clear that the Weatherill Labor Government has absolutely no idea just how much of an impact its excessive ESL hike will have on South Australian families and businesses.

“Premier Weatherill needs to sit up, take notice and start listening to South Australians.

“Our CFS volunteers perform a fantastic and vital community service and they have been treated with complete and utter disrespect by the Weatherill Labor Government.”