Minister must release advice to allay firefighters’ fears

The Minister of Internal Affairs must release the official advice he has received on the impact of the new OSH legislation on volunteer firefighters, according to National Industrial Relations spokesman Roger Sowry.

“In answer to Parliamentary questions the Minister says the advice received by him would allay the fears of volunteer firefighters with regard to the OSH bill.

“It’s vital this advice is released so volunteer firefighters and the general public can be reassured,” says Mr Sowry.
“My understanding is that advice provided by both the Fire Sevice Commission and the Department of Labour says the legislation will indeed cover volunteer firefighters.

“It is time the Minister clarified this issue once and for all,” Mr Sowry says.
“When volunteer firefighters say they’re prepared to walk off the job because they’re afraid of their legal liability under new OSH laws - it’s time to go public.

“New Zealanders need to know whether someone will be there to save their home when it’s threatened by fire or flood.
“It’s the least the Minister can do,” says Mr Sowry.

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