Good morning all,
As many of you know, the State Government announced last week an inquiry, to be led by retired County Court judge David Jones, into arrangements for CFA volunteers (see Minister Peter Ryan’s statement attached). http://premier.vic.gov.au/2011/03/former-judge-to-lead-independent-cfa-inquiry/
The inquiry will look into, among other things, recruitment, training and support for volunteers. Mr Jones will hand any recommendations, for the Government to consider, by June 30 this year.
The inquiry, the first of its kind for CFA, is a unique opportunity for a fresh look at arrangements for CFA volunteers from an outside, independent perspective. Recommendations will provide invaluable feedback and help CFA and volunteers better protect Victorian communities.
The findings will be especially relevant to the work of the new Operational Training and Volunteerism department, headed by Lex de Man, senior Executives and the Board.
Trained and professional volunteers perform all operational roles within CFA including at the highest levels of incident management, supported by career fire fighters in a fully integrated manner. The inquiry will cover any impediments to the ability of volunteers to undertake any role within CFA, as well as the capacity for volunteers to be appointed as CFA employees.
It will also look at arrangements to ensure the voices of volunteers are heard in accordance with the Volunteer Charter, recently signed by the State Government, CFA and VFBV and soon to be enshrined in law.
CFA welcomes the inquiry and I encourage all CFA members to assist in any way they can.
Mick Bourke
Chief Executive Officer
