Sometimes being first in Australia is not all it's cracked up to be.

The ACT's hybrid electric firetruck, the first to be delivered in the southern hemisphere, has spent very little time on the road in active service. After a procurement process the Audit Office condemned, it's spent quite a lot of its life being busted.

But there seemed to be good news on Thursday, as Emergency Services Minister Marisa Paterson excitedly informed the Legislative Assembly it was fixed and back on the road.

"Just to let the chamber know, everyone will be very happy that the hybrid electric firetruck, the battery problem has been rectified and the vehicle is operating normally," Dr Paterson said.

But not seven minutes later, the minister was back with unfortunate news.

"The electric breathing appa

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