Untitled Document

NSW Rural Fires Service Findings

Our inquiry into the CFA Fire Trucks revealed damning evidence that I am sure you have formed an opinion about. Now we reveal our covert inquiry into the NSW Rural Fire Service from which you may again make an informed decision.

The multi million dollar RFS bunker at Homebush is home to Commissioner Phil Koperberg who from his extremely well appointed office directs the service with these esteemed qualifications, British Empire Medal in 1978, a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994, the Australian Fire Service Medal in 1995, made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003. These accolades offer Mr Koperberg a façade to his lack of business attributes which amazes us why he commanded a 2004-5 salary of $247,100.00 and that ever present RFS Credit Card at the ready not to mention remuneration harvested from other boards and chairmanships he hold down.

Commissioner Koperberg is further qualified, joining the North Springwood Bush Fire Brigade as a volunteer in 1967, he later served as Deputy Captain then Captain of that Brigade which undoubtedly confirms he is qualified for front line fire fighting with loads of experience there but not executive material one must assume. His education and previous work areas including Indonesian contacts play a big roll in further issues of our RFS inquiry.

Exercising total iron fist control over this multi - multi million tax payer dollar subsidised organisation, Commissioner Koperberg commands his executive and staff as if the master of a 19th century family, which in a certain position held within the RFS family member is the operative word. He expects loyalty with zero tolerance to discussion or criticism of his commands. Remember at the ACT Coronial inquiry demonstration he ORDERED volunteer firefighters not to wear RFS uniforms as protesters, well they did which SOS has investigated and that story is yet to come along with loads more.

A record $140.2 million Rural Fire Fighting Fund was an increase of $6 million over last year's previous record funding and an increase of more than 176 per cent since 1994/95. Keep in mind that last year the volunteers - who are Rural Fire Service backbone and front line - and not paid for their services - were forced by the Koperberg Cartel to take their fight to the media when requests for a basic requirement - safety boots were ignored by the RFS considering a record government funding year. Many volunteers were also crying that a desperate need for supplying new or update antiquated fire fighting equipment from the RFS.

From the 2003-4 RFS Annual Report we extracted these few figures that may interest you including an amazing $5.52 Million in OTHER EXPENSES.

Employee related expenses Salaries and wages (including recreation leave) $37.97 million. That's not a cent to the Volunteer on the ground frontline people.

Other operating expenses
Travel Expenses $1,260,000 (How about this one)
Telephones $1,222,000
Fees for service $ 711,000
Printing and stationery $1,006,000
Consumables $ 387,000
Vehicle operation $ 669 424
All outgoings buildings $ 366,000
Other expenses $5,052, 000

After reading and seathing over the taxpayer funded iron lung housing the protected governing freeloaders of the RFS cartel who keep their snouts well buried in the trough, it is not with out reward for another medalion to be added to the façade of Koperberg. David Elliott, who was national campaign manager for the monarchists during their 1998 referendum victory over the republic, said the Legislative Council had become "obsolete" saying: "The Queen has one representative in Australia - the Governor-General - she doesn't need six others." And to allay the fears of fellow constitutional monarchists, he called for the introduction of Australian knighthoods for prominent people such as Justice Michael Kirby of the High Court, former defence force chief General Peter Cosgrove and NSW Rural Fire Commissioner Phil Koperberg. We may yet see Sir Phil be the first of many to be admitted to the inaugral Australian "Knight of Hypocrasy" but he should be very wary of just who will be wielding the sword above his head.

To Be Continued: