CENTRAL WEST RESPONDERS SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL

Independent Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee has called on the Australian Government to recognise Central West area emergency responders, volunteers, and community workers who courageously saved lives and property during the storms and floods of November 2022.

“The Australian Government recently announced that emergency responders, volunteers and community workers involved in the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland floods of February/March 2022 are now rightly eligible for the National Emergency Medal,” Mr Gee said.

“While I certainly support their eligibility, the Central Western NSW floods of November 2022 saw extraordinary acts of courage and service across our communities, including the biggest helicopter rescue in Australia’s history at Eugowra.

“It defies belief that the courageous residents of our area have been excluded from being nominated for a National Emergency Medal.

“That’s why on Tuesday in Question Time, I asked the Prime Minister whether he would support the National Emergency Medal being extended to those who served with such distinction in the Central West in November 2022.

“The Prime Minister answered briefly before the responsible Minister stated that after I’d written to the Prime Minister about this, the Australian Government now asked the National Emergency Medal Committee to reconsider the decision to exclude our area’s residents from National Emergency Medal eligibility.

“I was heartened by the Australian Government’s response, and answer to my question.

“In November 2022 I saw extraordinary acts of kindness and heroism that defied belief.

“Nobody who acted at that time did so seeking awards or medals. But it is only fair and just that, given residents in other parts of Australia are eligible for this medal, that our community members are as well.

“I will keep pressure on the government to expand National Emergency Medal eligibility to our area, and I’ve also started a Change.org petition which I would encourage everyone in our region to sign,” said Mr Gee.

ENDS

Media contact: Sinead Fogarty - 0417 852 386