Fireys furious new recruit squad has no Aboriginal members

TERRITORY firefighters have lashed out at the NT Fire and Rescue Service — accusing it of “tokenism” after learning its newest recruit squad has no Aboriginal members

The new squad has 12 recruits

TERRITORY firefighters have lashed out at the NT Fire and Rescue Service — accusing it of “tokenism” after learning its newest recruit squad has no Aboriginal members.

“Out of the 12 new recruits not one of them is Aboriginal — this is a disgrace when we had two exceptional Aboriginal candidates who were highly recommended by the selection panel,” one firefighter said.

“These members both Territorians and of Aboriginal heritage, leaders in their people will be a valuable asset to our organisation.”

Another firefighter is calling for the NTFRS to review its recruitment process.

At present, applicants must pass a written test, psychological test and physical test before a panel interview.

After this interview applicants have to pass a challenge panel before being selected for the squad.

The firefighter said it was unfair two qualified workers were “rejected” in the final stage and wanted the NTFRS to investigate what went wrong.

“Our challenge panel rejected two guys, Aboriginal fireys, who had the nod from selection,” they said.

“This decision will hurt recruitment in regional and remote fire stations.

“Something must be done.”

United Voice NT branch secretary Erina Early, from the union representing firefighters, is livid.

“It’s tokenism — it’s not a reflection of the population,” she said.

“There is only eight Aboriginal career firefighters and our members are pretty upset.”

Ms Early said the two indigenous firefighters who applied were qualified for the role, both working as auxiliaries for more than five years in various communities.

“For them to become career firefighters it would provide a really good example,” she said.

“It’s just really disappointing.”

NTFRS strategy and capability Jenny Nelson Willis said the selection of the successful applicants for NT Fire and Rescue Firefighter Recruit Squad 44 followed a “comprehensive merit based selection process”.

“There were in excess of 350 applicants who applied for 12 positions on the recruit squad,” she said.

“Of the 12 applicants selected, 11 are from the Northern Territory.”

NTFRS did not respond to questions regarding the indigenous heritage of recruits before print deadline.

It was also asked to respond to allegations of tokenism.