BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 3 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

The Honourable Ann Leahy

* TheCrisafulli Governmentreachesa major milestonewith500firefightersjoiningQueensland's frontline sincethe election. * Laborunderinvested in Queensland's firefighters, which in returnsawfrontlinenumbers heavily decline andstretchedresourcesacross the State. * The milestone strengthens emergency response across metropolitan, regional and rural communities. * TheCrisafulli Governmentismaking Queensland safer after Labor's decade of decline.

The Crisafulli Government has reached a major milestone in its commitment to makingQueensland safer, with the 500th firefighter recruited under the Government graduating today.

More than 500 firefighters have now been recruited into Queensland Fire Department ranks since the Crisafulli Government came to office, strengthening frontline capability across metropolitan,regionaland rural Queensland.

After a decade of Labor'sunderinvestment saw firefighter numbersheavilydecline and frontline resources stretched, the Crisafulli Government isstrengthening the workforce and capability needed to keep Queenslanders safe.

The latest graduates will soon join stations across metropolitan,regionaland rural Queensland, strengthening emergency response capability and ensuring help is there when Queenslanders need it most.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the milestone reflected theCrisafulliGovernment's focus on rebuilding frontline capability across Queensland.

"These graduates are joining one of Queensland's most respected frontline services, and they should beextremelyproud of the role they will play protecting lives, property and communities," Minister Leahy said.

"Labor left Queensland's frontline emergency services playing catch-up, but we're turning that around by building a stronger firefighting workforce and giving our crews the resources they need to protect Queenslanders."

Queensland Fire Department CommissionerSteve Smithsaid thenew recruits haddemonstratedstrong teamwork and resilience throughout the program.

"Todaymarksthe beginning of an incredibly rewarding career for these firefighters andeach member ofRecruit Course 189 should be proud ofwhatthey've achieved," CommissionerSmithsaid.

"The 500 milestone is more than just a number. It means more firefighters serving on the frontline,more supportfor our existing crews and moreprotection forour communities."

"I'dlike to congratulate every graduate and thank them for choosing a career that servesQueensland.I know they will make a lasting contribution to the stationsand communitiestheywill joinacross the state."

ENDS

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