Airservices Australia has proposed to effectively privatise the nation's Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service by selling critical emergency service infrastructure — fire stations, specialised firefighting vehicles, training facilities and protective equipment — to a sovereign wealth fund under a long-term sale-and-leaseback arrangement.
Independent modelling by the University of Newcastle has found the plan would cost taxpayers an additional $135 million while delivering a worse safety outcome. The UFUA Aviation Branch has condemned the proposal as bizarre and dangerous, and will strongly oppose any attempt to privatise aviation rescue firefighting services.
Independent modelling by the University of Newcastle's Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) found that privately financing the upgrades needed for fire stations and vehicles would cost taxpayers $135 million more than if Airservices and the government funded them directly — because the Commonwealth borrows more cheaply than any private investor. The report asks the obvious question: why is the more expensive option being seriously considered?
Senate and House of Representatives proceedings related to the proposed strategic partnership.
Key parliamentary proceedings on the proposed privatisation of ARFFS.
Edited footage of the Airservices Australia appearance before the Senate RRAT Committee, where the privatisation proposal was examined.
Short highlights from the Senate Estimates hearing. Use the playlist controls to move between clips.
Senate Estimates questioning on the Airservices strategic partnership proposal.
House of Representatives Question Time on aviation firefighting privatisation.
Broadcast commentary on the proposed privatisation.
Mark Levy rips into the safety and cost risks of Airservices' push to privatise aviation firefighting assets.
Open in new tab to keep listening →Coverage of the proposed strategic partnership across Australian media.
Coverage in print editions across News Corp mastheads. Tap to view the full clipping.
