Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is the first day of summer, and over the course of summer millions of Australians will flock to our beaches and enjoy our nation's natural beauty. But the Australian summer brings increasing risks. With climate change a looming threat and scientists telling us of increasing threats of extreme weather events over summer, I ask all Australians to remember the work of our wonderful volunteers who keep us safe during the summer period—in particular, the 170 surf lifesavers who volunteer their time to keep us safe on our beaches each year. Over the course of last year about 200 people drowned on the Australian coastline, but not one person drowned between the red and yellow flags on Australian beaches, perfectly highlighting the value of that volunteer service to our wonderful community. I also ask people to spare a thought for the SES and the volunteer bushfire services, who, unfortunately and doubtlessly, will be busy over the summer period. We thank them for their service to our community. I ask all Australians, when they are travelling to the beach, to enjoy our wonderful coastline, to heed the warnings and advice of our volunteer lifesavers and always swim between the red and yellow flags. If you are going rock fishing, make sure you go with someone else, wear a vest and tell people where you are going. Have a safe summer, and thank you, once again, to our wonderful volunteers.