As we have just seen with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Australia's professional and volunteer emergency services personnel are the backbone of the nation's disaster response efforts. From bushfires and floods to cyclones, Fire and Rescue, the RFS, SES, paramedics, police and defence personnel work side by side in times of crisis to protect lives, homes and communities. Those brave men and women demonstrate extraordinary dedication and resilience in times of crisis. Volunteers leave their homes and families at a moment's notice to help those in need, working alongside professionals who put themselves in harm's way each and every day. That cooperation must continue beyond times of crisis. I have spoken in this House many times about the lack of services and infrastructure in my electorate.
In just two years, this Government has made significant progress in addressing 12 years of neglect under the previous Liberal-Nationals Government, and I am immensely proud of that work. Much has been achieved but there is still more to do. In under a decade, parts of my electorate have transformed from what were peri-urban market gardens into densely populated residential areas. Under current arrangements, fire services for rapidly growing suburbs like Austral remain the responsibility of the Rural Fire Service. On the ground, both the RFS and Fire and Rescue work together effectively. Every week, there are countless examples of this cooperation saving lives and protecting property. At a leadership level, Fire and Rescue NSW and the RFS negotiate their responsibilities based on legislation, mutual agreements and operational guidelines, with Fire and Rescue covering urban areas and the RFS responsible for rural and peri-urban zones.
While both agencies have worked hard to improve coordination and clarify their responsibilities, Sydney's rapid growth has created challenges. A prime example is the Western Sydney International Airport, where landside fire services currently fall under the RFS. I commend the Minister for last year's budget announcement of a Fire and Rescue NSW station at Badgerys Creek, and I am confident those negotiations will be addressed very shortly. In my own community, recent house fires have highlighted the challenges with the current system. While Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived quickly, nearby RFS stations faced delays due to crew availability. Those incidents underscore the need for a response model that reflects the realities of a growing city. The victims of those fires have lost irreplaceable possessions and will carry the trauma for years to come. But they, like I, are forever grateful of the extraordinary dedication of the men and women of Fire and Rescue and the RFS.
No-one in this Chamber doubts that the men and women of our fire services are heroes. Every day, they put on their uniforms and run toward danger so the rest of us can stay safe. Their courage and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful. There will always be a place for the RFS in New South Wales. As long as parts of my electorate remain peri-urban and farmland, their presence will be essential in protecting my community. The RFS is an incredible organisation that does outstanding work, and they will always have my very strong support. As a councillor, I moved for Liverpool City Council to honour their vital role in the Black Summer bushfires. In this place, I continue to recognise their incredible work.
Fire and Rescue is the fourth-largest urban fire and rescue service in the world and is a critical pillar of emergency management in New South Wales. But, like so many public sector workers, Fire and Rescue staff were subjected to cuts and a wages cap under the previous Government. I welcome this Government's ongoing work to address that neglect and ensure Fire and Rescue continues to take on the roles that the RFS cannot, such as specialist urban firefighting and hazardous materials response.
After a decade of underinvestment by those opposite, the 2024-25 budget includes $204.1 million for Fire and Rescue NSW. That will ensure the positions of 286 existing firefighters whose roles did not previously have ongoing funding, including those at the Oran Park Fire Station. That funding is in addition to the Government's commitment to recruit 600 additional firefighters over eight years. Make no mistake, this is not a call for a Dan Andrews-style overhaul of fire services in this State. It is a heartfelt plea on behalf of my community for two organisations we deeply respect, support and rely on. They must come to the table and resolve the negotiations sooner rather than later.
