Hon Martin Pritchard questions the funding of Volunteer Marine Rescue WA, specifically regarding operational expenses, fleet upgrades, and the implementation of radio over internet technology. The Attorney General responds on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services, clarifying funding sources and ongoing initiatives.

AnsweredQoN 1379Legislative Council
Asked
22 November 2016
Portfolio
Emergency Services

QuestionView source ↗

VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE WA
1379. Hon MARTIN PRITCHARD to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to the funding of the
Volunteer Marine Rescue WA units located throughout the state, which is now
sourced from the emergency services levy.
(1) Can the minister confirm that
this funding is restricted to operational expenses?
(2) What will be
the source of funds for future fleet upgrades, including nine vessels that have
been identified as requiring replacement?
(3) When will radio over internet be
introduced to enable greater flexibility and coverage in smaller units?

AnswerView source ↗

On behalf of the Minister for
Emergency Services, I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) No, funding also includes grant
payments for capital items.
(2) Existing
grant payments for capital expenditure are made from the Department of Fire and
Emergency ServicesXXX ###XXX emergency services levy
funding source. Future fleet upgrades and replacements, if approved by
government, will be funded through an appropriate funding source, as identified
by government. Vessel replacements are continuing with a new vessel for
Fremantle to be commissioned shortly.
(3) A statewide solution is being considered. However, radio over
internet technology is already being used at the Fremantle, Mandurah and
Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue groups.

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