Protection provided for NSW emergency volunteers
Emergency volunteers across the state will now be protected from employer victimisation.
The newly-launched provisions will ensure volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, the Volunteer Rescue Association and Marine Rescue NSW are protected.
Employers who take negative action against a volunteer can be fined, and the court can direct employers to reinstate workers who have been dismissed.
Discussing the fires over the weekend, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s volunteers continue to work selflessly to protect lives and property.
“Employers recognise the vital role that our volunteers play and release them to participate in emergency operations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said volunteers deserve the entire state’s gratitude.
“Emergency service volunteers work non-stop to keep our communities safe during times of emergency,” Mr Grant said.
“This order allows them to continue assisting our emergency services with their essential work in the weeks ahead.”