Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to raise my concerns and express my sincere thanks to all the brave Australians from across the country who have put their lives on the line, and will continue to put their lives on the line, to save other people's lives and property during the devastating bushfires across the land. Tragically, three people have lost their lives and dozens more have been injured, including firefighters. The Rural Fire Service estimates that 150 structures have been lost, including a large number of homes. Evacuation centres have been established, and people are doing everything in their power with the resources they have to care for those most in need, offering food and drink, offering support and offering an encouraging voice.

As I speak this evening there are 3,000 firefighters and volunteers in New South Wales battling some of the most intense winds and heat our country has ever seen. So much of our country is on catastrophic fire alert, with winds reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour in high-altitude areas. There are over 70 fires across the country at the moment, with no end in sight. Australia is a country of extreme weather, and we are seeing the bushfire season start early this year. If you talk to people on the ground you'll hear that these fires are particularly intense for this time of the year. These are difficult days for many communities and individuals.

No matter our political affiliation, we in this place are all proud of the professionalism, bravery and dedication of our emergency service workers and volunteers. They are inspiring all of us, and their dedication and passion for saving other people's lives has not gone unnoticed. I would like to acknowledge the Tasmanian Fire Service crews in Tasmania and those who have flown across the country to stand side by side with their counterparts to fight these fires. Twenty-seven people from Tasmania, mostly volunteers, have flown to New South Wales to render assistance where they are most needed. Last Friday the team from Tasmania was assigned to try to save properties and protect the township of Wytaliba from the blaze near Glen Innes on Friday night. Three Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters worked to save Ms Vivian Chaplain after she was trapped while defending her home. They performed CPR and treated her burns before evacuating her across a river, but she later died. I note that this is the second rotation of Tasmanian firefighters to be sent to New South Wales, with 25 travelling interstate last week. In the coming months, as the weather heats up in my home state of Tasmania, I hope that the fire risk in Tasmania remains low and any fires can be mitigated.

One thing is for sure: Australians always have each other's back when there is a natural disaster. We come together and face these challenges together, and we are stronger for it. We will always be there for one another, but we cannot underestimate the danger. All those in high-risk areas must take the advice of emergency services. I again put on record our thanks for their commitment and dedication. Very many of these individuals lose their own property, and that should never be forgotten, but, as always, Australians stand shoulder to shoulder. We stand together.