Millions of dollars raised by comedian Celeste Barber following the deadly Black Summer bushfires is yet to reach those who need it.
Barber raised $51 million for victims of the catastrophe and after a court dispute it was decided the money could only be spent by the Rural Fire Service on equipment and training.
However, the RFS set aside $10 million for volunteer firefighters who were injured, and for the families of those who died.
Today the NSW government’s budget estimates heard that despite four volunteers dying, 860 being injured and 46 ending up in hospital, none of the money has been used.
NSW Labor MP Mark Buttigeig asked Steph Cooke, who was the Minister for Resilience at the time, why it’s taken three years.
“We will continue to work on its establishment and the distribution of funds,” she responded.
“At what point in time do you think you’ll get the money out of the fund into the hands of victims and people who need it?” Labor MLC Adam Searle asked.
“It’s important that we set this fund up correctly right from the get go ,” Cooke said.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said he wants the fund to be looking after volunteers for decades to come.
Heartache, tears at memorial to honour bushfire victims
“The aim is to set this up like police legacy,” he said.
The state government expects the fund to be established by the end of the year.
Former police commissioner Ken Moroney is being sounded out to be appointed to the board.
