Australia’s aviation firefighters union has rejected what it sees as a “bizarre and dangerous” proposal to sell firefighting equipment and facilities to private investors.
The United Firefighters Union of Australia – Aviation Branch (UFUAV) said the proposed sale and leaseback would “effectively privatize” Australia’s Aviation Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) service, an allegation provider Airservices Australia rejects.
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“Australians expect world-class aviation rescue firefighters to come to their aid when something goes wrong, not an emergency service run on a high-bidder mentality designed to maximize the returns of an investment fund,” UFUAV branch secretary Wes Garrett said.
“Under the proposal, ownership and management of assets critical to aviation safety would be transferred to a commercial operator whose primary obligation would be to provide a financial return to investors, not protect the safety of air travelers or firefighters.
“We have seen this exercise before in other jurisdictions. When profits become a central factor in decision-making, there is always inevitable pressure to reduce costs.
“That will mean delaying maintenance on our specialized firefighting vehicles, reducing investment in equipment and facilities, or underinvesting in operational readiness.”
According to Garrett, the proposal – which encompasses aviation fire stations, specialized firefighting vehicles, training facilities and protective equipment – would undermine safety and cost taxpayers more money in the long run.
“Aviation firefighting works because crews, vehicles, technicians and infrastructure operate as an integrated system. Breaking that system introduces risks that currently do not exist,” he said.
“Emergency services require absolute clarity of responsibility. When a commercial entity controls equipment and infrastructure, competing priorities are introduced between investor returns and public safety.
“Privatization schemes like this rarely save money. They transfer public assets into private hands, while taxpayers pay more in the long run.”
In a statement, an Airservices spokesperson said many of its firefighting assets are at or nearing the end of their useful lives and that the “cooperative agreement” would allow it to “access the funding needed to modernize aviation rescue firefighting assets more quickly.”
“Under this proposal, an Australian strategic investment partner would own, maintain, upgrade and replace ARFF vehicles, equipment and facilities. The approach would accelerate investment in new assets without changing the work our people do,” the spokesperson said.
“Air services will continue to provide ARFF, air traffic control and all enabling functions required by the Air Services Act 1995, and will maintain full responsibility for regulatory and safety compliance.
“Airservices has been actively engaging with stakeholders, including the government, our staff and their union representatives since December, and provided detailed information and documentation on the proposal.
“We will continue to consult with interested parties throughout April and will keep them updated on any developments.”
Airservices provides ARFF services at 27 of the country’s busiest airports and operates a fleet of more than 100 firefighting vehicles.
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