26 June 2008
$15 MILLION TO IMPROVE MAJOR DISASTER RESCUE RESPONSE
The Rudd Government will provide $15 million dollars to police and emergency services to purchase cutting-edge equipment so they can better respond to disasters such as large scale building collapses or earthquakes, Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced today.
“This initiative will not only upgrade the equipment available nationally, but it will also ensure consistency of response if a major disaster, such as a building collapse or earthquake, took place in Australia,” said Mr McClelland.
“The Australian public can be assured that the equipment to be purchased is state-of-the-art and capable of cutting through concrete in such a way as to better find and rescue trapped people.”
Mr McClelland said, “It will be held primarily by fire services in capital cities, ready for immediate deployment to an emergency site.”
In another sign of improved cooperation, the Rudd Government’s contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the State and Territory Governments, bringing the total funding for the project to $30 million.
The State and Territory investment will ensure the necessary training is provided to fire and emergency services rescue personnel.
The grants have been made under the Urban Search and Rescue Capability Development Project, which is facilitated by Emergency Management Australia.
Media contacts:
Adam Sims, Mr McClelland’s office, 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison, 0408 606 462