EMERGENCY SERVICES SUPERANNUATION FUNDS

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has declared his strong support, and that of The Nationals, for members of the Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority, the State Emergency Service and the Victorian ambulance paramedics in keeping their current superannuation benefits.

In Parliament today Dr Sykes explained: “Members of these organisations work in extremely stressful and often dangerous situations to ensure the ongoing safety and security of our families and communities.”

“We therefore throw our full support behind the members of these services in their fight to protect their superannuation benefits as currently provided by the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme.

Dr Sykes is concerned that by merging the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme with the Victorian Governments Scheme the safety net provided to families of emergency service personnel would be removed.

Dr Sykes is also concerned the Government is not acknowledging the extraordinary work of the Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority, the State Emergency Service and the Victorian ambulance paramedics.

In Parliament today Dr Sykes acknowledged the careers of two local police officers who he said “exemplify the value of police to country communities.”

“Senior Constable Terry Birthisel, who recently retired after 13 years as a Glenrowan policeman, 25 years at Benalla and a total of 43 years of service. Senior Constable Birthisel was a typical good country cop, concerned about and part of the community he served. He was always there – at the school crossing, helping and praising young people, patrolling on the Hume Highway and helping out in fires and floods.”

Dr Sykes thanked Senior Sergeant Bruce Klinge who is leaving Mansfield to take up a promotion at Bairnsdale and commended Senior Sergeant Klinge, for showing good leadership and organisational abilities in his time at both Benalla and Mansfield police stations and on his “strong desire to serve the community”.

Dr Sykes stated that we need to encourage police officers like these, and ensure they and their families receive the protection they deserve as currently provided by the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989