The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has launched a petition opposing today’s announcement of the proposed merger of the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.

He has also written to the Premier asking for more detail and outlining his position.

 “As Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra, I fought hard to keep the State Emergency Services Headquarters in the Illawarra. Today’s announcement raises more questions than answers,” Mr Ward said.

“Volunteers are already wrapped up on red tape which is discouraging people to get involved. Today’s announcement will mean more paperwork and less lifesaving work.

“I’m also concerned that today’s announcement may mean the loss of jobs from our region. The NSW Government promised no regional job cuts; how will today’s announcement impact on regional jobs located at the State Emergency Services Headquarters in Wollongong?

“Whilst any effort to provide more coordinated and meaningful natural disaster responses to local communities should be commended, our volunteers should not be shouldering greater administrative burdens because of proposed job cuts by the NSW Government.”

The petition can be accessed here.

In other early reaction, the Public Service Association of NSW has called on the NSW Government to halt its proposed merger until proper community and stakeholder consultation has taken place.

"Neither the RFS or the SES have significant support staff resources as is. It's hard to see how merging their functions will improve matters," says PSA General Secretary Stewart Little.