PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONS BILL - FITNESS CAPABILITY DISMISSALS

That this House is aware that the Government's proposed Public Service Pensions Bill will, if enacted, impose a pension age of 60 years on all firefighters, despite it receiving overwhelming evidence against, including from its own experts; believes that if this measure is introduced it would be found to be unworkable and likely to lead to mass numbers of firefighters being forced to leave their employment via fitness capability dismissals which would decimate the nation's fire and rescue services; recalls that in January 2013 the Government published its own review on this matter authored by Dr Tony Williams which in contrast to the Government's position did not recommend a 60 years of age criterion, preferring instead to stipulate what areas would have to be changed significantly before such a measure could even be considered; and calls on the Government to desist from its intention to introduce this criterion which will lead to thousands of loyal, hard working public servants losing their jobs and communities being less protected from fire and other hazards.