Four days after we published the story “Esperance fire funds left on the wind” (Weekender September 19) Emergency Services minister Paul Papalia’s office emailed to say our story was inaccurate.
“The election commitment will be delivered within the current financial year, as promised,” a spokesperson said.
“DFES is working with the Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service regarding the State Government’s $50,000 election commitment which will be used for the purchase of display cabinets for historical equipment and upgrades to junior fire brigade training areas, including the addition of a new water tank.”
We asked whether ordinary operational funding to train Esperance firefighters was still in place.
More than a week later, the Minister’s media advisor thanked us for our patience and relayed this message from a State Government spokesperson:
“There is no change to the funding arrangements for the Esperance Volunteer Fire and Rescue brigade.
“All training for VFRS brigades is coordinated and funded through Department of Fire and Emergency Services programs.”
Visiting editor Liz Gibbes wrote the story “Esperance fire funds left on the wind” (Weekender, September 19) after seeking clarification about an election promise detailed in this document.
