Issue 5, 19 May 2013
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV.
2012/13 SUMMER CAMPAIGN DEBRIEFS
Members would remember from our March update that the Delegates to the CFA/VFBV Joint Operations committee had requested CFA to actively plan, support and engage with volunteers as part of this year’s debrief process, in order to provide sufficient opportunity for feedback and comment on any issues encountered during this seasons summer campaign fires, and to ensure issues relating to volunteer utilization, support, welfare and optimisation are not overlooked in any multi-agency, whole of sector debrief process.
Disappointingly, the committee is receiving reports from Districts that this has not occurred, and there has been little or no ability for volunteers to participate in some parts of the State. A report of the CFA planned sessions submitted to the committee at their May meeting, reported 12 CFA facilitated debriefs scheduled across the state, all occurring on a weekday during normal business hours. The committee have written to the Chief Officer, and DCO responsible with its concerns, and requesting a full list of all debriefs held, and a renewed effort for a more inclusive process to encourage feedback from grass root levels.
If you don’t believe you have been given the opportunity to participate in a formal debrief, and you would have liked to, please report your concern to your local State Councillor, so that we can track concerns District by District.
40km Speed Limits
Delegates have provided CFA with notice that they intend to re-open discussions on introducing a 40km speed limit when passing a stationary emergency service vehicle displaying its red and blue lights. The committee with CFA’s endorsement, last tried to progress this issue in early 2009, and was thwarted by Victoria Police, who believed it would be too difficult to enforce. The South Australian parliament recently introduced changes to their laws (they have had a 40km speed limit for a number of years now) to require motorists to slow to 25km when passing stationary emergency vehicles. Whilst not wishing to pursue the 25km speed, delegates believe the 40km speed limit continues to be an important issue to ensure the safety of our members when working beside roads and highways. Road workers are routinely protected by reduced speed limits, yet our members are not currently afforded the same protections.
SOLAR PANEL SIGNAGE
State Council has referred an item raised from District 17 concerning the signage requirements for solar panel installations. The concern raised is that the signage is inadequate, deteriorates within 6 months, or is often not there at all. State Council has requested the committee investigate with the office of the electrical inspector to determine if the current laws are sufficient, or whether stronger penalties or enforcement are required. The committee will report its finding back to State Council at their September meeting.
OTHER ITEMS BEING PROGRESSED
The Committee continues to progress work on; Jones Implementation Progress, volunteer utilization in IMT’s, CFA Capstone, review of CFA Regulations & Role of Group.
