Mr BARTLETT (1:52 PM) —I rise to record my appreciation for the magnificent efforts of our bushfire fighters. Over the past few days some 4,000 volunteer firefighters have battled fires raging around New South Wales, particularly north-west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast. Years of build-up of fuel, the impact of the drought and the adverse weather conditions combined to create a nightmare scenario. Our firefighters have done an outstanding job battling these horrendous conditions. They have been ably supported by the SES, regular fire brigades, and National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel.

The fact that we have not lost more than 50 houses—as tragic as that is—is a tribute to their courage, their professionalism and their tenacity. Time after time they have been the only thing between a towering wall of flame and someone's house. Many people owe their property and in some cases their lives to these magnificent Australians.

I want to particularly acknowledge the men and women of the Rural Fire Service and other volunteer organisations in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury. After a horrendous couple of weeks last Christmas they are on the front line again this summer. The many hours spent throughout the year in training, the readiness to respond to the call, the courage to battle life-threatening conditions and the tenacity to fight for the property of others as if it were their own are absolutely inspiring. We are deeply grateful to them and very proud of them.