Reality check

[Harley]

So the US sends us Elvis and his rels, in their fire season,

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/ ... fire-fight

We're sending you proper reinforcements

[Grant Bunter]

^ And it will be appreciated, regardless of their skill level... hehehehehe

[Harley]

^ And it will be appreciated, regardless of their skill level... hehehehehe

Nothing like us Kiwis helping you increase the IQ level over there in Tassie

I'm due for a trip to Melbourne early Feb, so hope the temps calm down by then....fat chance of that I suppose

[Titanium Hand]

Hi Grant,

Mate I hope you guys have got some relief? We had southerlies all day yesterday and its overcast and cool now.

Last Tuesday a day you were probably doing it a lot tougher than me I was lucky enough to be on sane tasks, just replacing about 300metres of drip line in a domestic garden in dover heights, with 4 zones of 20 micro sprays. The bloke was concerned that his prized leyland hedge and sprawling gardens wasn't getting enough water. City people don't really understand right plant for the right climate reduces watering needs or that water is a bloody precious resource that isnt unlimited. ( I've learnt this from my wife )

Any way so after working 8 hours in peak 40 degree temperature days, I got to knock off, drive home, and sip on a couple of beers with my old man. After a minute or so I started whinging that it was sooo hot and I had to work too hard some times. He stood up, slapped the beer out of my hand, glared at me and said " Think of the Fire'ys " Point taken

He left home as a young teen to pursue wool classing so he definitely knows the plight of the countryman. I'm just starting to become more aware. My prayers are with you and all of our fellow countrymen that are in need of assistance.

[Grant Bunter]

G'day TH,

We're all good ATM.
A couple of cooler days has certainly been a bit of respite.
The fires in our area all seem under control, but I know there are still quite a few where the guys and gals are struggling.
IMO BOF needs his head read for putting a hole in the RFS budget.

It alarms me at the amount of fires that appear to have been deliberately lit

Hot is hot huh, doesn't matter what you're doing or where you're working in it...

[Titanium Hand]

Did you see the papers this morning? $300 p/a tax going to be applied to every household in an attempt to finance the Fire fighters better. I'm one of the first to say my two bob about additional taxes, this one however seems really worthwhile, that is of course if the money ends up where it is supposed to go

[Grant Bunter]

Did you see the papers this morning? $300 p/a tax going to be applied to every household in an attempt to finance the Fire fighters better. I'm one of the first to say my two bob about additional taxes, this one however seems really worthwhile, that is of course if the money ends up where it is supposed to go

I heard this last night on the news and I'm outraged.
Sorry TH, I have to disagree with you. It's a rort.
The present government axed millions off the RFS budget this financial year. Now (after a massive amount of bushfires that was being predicted as of last financial year) they want to tax everyone in the state to pay for the RFS and emergency services. Hypocrisy.

In reality, who generally are most affected by bush fires?
Rural people/communities and families. You don't generally get bushfires in Pitt St or at Kirribilli house.

Our brigade has at least one family member from every family in our small community.
A new tax doesn't replace lost stock and property. It won't matter if you're in the RFS, you'll still get taxed, ostensibly to fund your own volunteer work. A large percentage of the RFS don't get paid to fight fires, and depending where they work, might not get paid for taking the day off to do RFS duties either.
The RFS rely heavily on donations as well. There is a fear that an imposed tax will see those donations dry up.

History show that the NSW state 2 x 2 fuel tax doesn't go to roads like it's supposed too, or on a federal level, the medicare levy doesn't all go to health.

IMO a new tax simply further hurts those most affected.
Typical political stunt that will gain the support of the urban majority, therefore will be acceptable, but wrong. Given the population of Sydney, why should the inhabitants of that city pay (via tax) for a service or services they largely don't require? Sydney should be jumping up and down as well.

They need to remember they are elected officials...