Under the scheme only volunteer fire fighters who lost income as a result of their efforts between December 24 and January 16 are entitled to receive the payments from Centrelink.

NSW State Emergency Services Vol-unteers' Association president, Craig Ronan, said the scheme clearly discriminates against 500 SES volunteers and other volunteer community groups in NSW who lost wages assisting the NSW Rural Fire Service during the emergency.

Mr Ronan said NSW SESVA has called on the Prime Minister and the Federal Government to extend the Centrelink payments to SES volunteers and other volunteer groups where they have lost wages while assisting their community during the bushfires.

“SES volunteers carried out many roles during the bush fire emergency, including planning and conducting evacuations, logistic support, preparing and providing meals, servicing aerial fire fighting aircraft and transport support to NSW Rural Fire Services over 22 days,” Mr Ronan said.

“Many SES volunteers and volunteers from other community groups such as the Volunteer Rescue Association and the Red Cross gave up Christmas and New Year with their families and friends to work day and night to protect lives and properties.

“These volunteers should receive the same recognition from the Howard Government for their efforts as the volunteer fire fighters.

“Some of these SES volunteers have lost wages and in some cases their annual holidays and this is causing major financial hardship for their families.

“Does the Prime Minister and Federal Government realise that 2001 was the 'International Year of the Volunteer' when these fires started.”