The Community and Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation
(SPSF) wishes to express its sadness and condolences at the tragic loss
of more than 170  lives in the bushfires that swept over Victoria last
weekend.

The SPSF has pledged $20,000 to the national  appeal for the victims of
the bushfires.

Yesterday morning, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and its
affiliates, which includes the SPSF, decided to make a donation of
$250,000 to the national appeal being co-ordinated by the Australian Red
Cross.

The SPSF stands ready and able to support members, including emergency
service personnel involved in fighting the fires, health care and
government workers caring for the many thousands of people affected, and
countless others who have been caught in this tragedy.

Should members wish to make a donation, please call 1800 811 700 to make
a credit card donation or log onto www.redcross.org.au