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Truth and consequence
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
On 28 November, the Fire Services Implementation Monitor’s (FSIM) Annual Report was tabled in Parliament. The FSIM was established as an independent entity in 2020 under section 122 of the Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Act to provide assurance to government and the community on progress on the government’s fire service reforms.
In his fourth Annual Report, the monitor - the Hon. Niall Blair – provides a thorough assessment of progress against the government’s implementation plan. Findings two, three and four are particularly damning and deal with the long standing systemic issues within FRV’s complex consultation and industrial arena, the impacts this has on all joint interoperability initiatives between CFA and FRV, and the devastating impact of the secondment arrangements that have resulted in the CFA Chief Officer’s inability to manage his seconded workforce and the resulting long-term vacancies.
In slamming the secondment arrangements, the monitor concludes that in his opinion and the unanimous opinion of senior leaders of both CFA and FRV, that the arrangements are not working, have not worked for quite some time and in fact will never work.
And while these findings do not come as a surprise to VFBV which has been the canary in the coalmine about these issues for years, these findings from an independent monitor herald a crossroads for the Victorian Government.
Under the secondment agreement, FRV is contractually required to supply CFA with 45 Assistant Chief Fire Officers, and 96 Commanders. As you know, these are key positions and are critical to CFA’s ability to perform its role. They also make up the overwhelming majority of the Chief Officer’s paid workforce and chain of command.
The monitor has reported that on average in any given week there are at least 17 senior vacancies amongst the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Commander pools each week. He also finds that at its worst, there can be up to 33 vacancies in a week, accounting for more than 20% of CFA’s paid operational workforce.
Confirmation of widespread gaps and vacancies comes as very little surprise to many brigades which have been consistently and frequently reporting these shortages and gaps of support that they are now routinely having to deal with.
One of the largest impacts on volunteers has been the cascading flow-on effects from these vacancies that has created significant churn and upheaval across the ACFO and Commander pool. Brigades have told us that some districts have cycled through up to eight different ACFOs in a single calendar year. Do not underestimate the disruption and havoc this plays across an entire District, and the damage done to relationships and business continuity.
These are alarming figures as we head into Victoria’s fire danger period. When discussing these arrangements, I urge members to clearly separate criticisms of the secondment arrangements from the people.
I want to make it very clear that our attacks on the secondment arrangements are in no way a reflection on the secondees themselves. Rather, they are a reflection on the misguided arrangements that set our secondees up to fail in the first place.
We absolutely respect and support each of the individual secondees loaned from FRV to CFA, and have great empathy for the impossible position they are often put in requiring them to straddle two significantly different organisational cultures, two entirely separate chains of command, and unacceptably high vacancy rates from unfilled positions which pushes these brave men and women to exhaustion as they try to cover empty positions while trying to protect themselves from burnout. We back our secondees and support them, and demand that they be treated better.
Under the arrangements, the CFA Chief Officer is forced to rely on 94% of his operational chain of command to be seconded from a different organisation. In fact, the Chief is left with only nine Deputy Chief Officers reporting directly to him, with all the remaining 141 uniformed officers in his chain of command forced to be seconded from FRV. At times, the Chief does not even get the chance to choose which ones.
In addition, the agreement obliges FRV to provide 53 instructors, and 29 training ground supervisors. In total, FRV is contractually required to supply CFA with 223 seconded officers.
Despite being contractually obliged to fill these positions, when seconded positions are not filled, FRV pocket the savings and redirect them to funding their own cost blowouts leaving CFA completely in the lurch.
Just think that through for a minute.
FRV receives the money for 223 secondees to be supplied to CFA, but when they don’t supply up to one-fifth of those spots they get to pocket that money and apply those savings to their own business. You can’t make this stuff up.
VFBV is advocating that the full budget for its seconded workforce should be provided to CFA, which will then pay FRV for the spots it actually fills. We are then asking for any savings from unfilled spots to then be directed to CFA’s fleet budget to replacing ageing trucks.
This creates an incentive for FRV to meet its contractual obligations, but also provides CFA compensation for when it doesn’t.
Now while the monitor expertly documents the repeated instances where these arrangements do not work and how they have constrained CFA’s ability to effectively manage its operational workforce, we remind members that these arrangements were never discussed or proposed by the fire services themselves. In fact, the CFA and MFB Chief Officers of the time were not even privy to the discussions and negotiations who along with volunteers - were left completely in the dark.
A 2017 Parliamentary Inquiry into the arrangements recommended the legislation not proceed and be withdrawn. The inquiry uncovered that the secondment arrangements along with other reforms were cooked up by a small group working in secret within the Department of Premier and Cabinet under then Premier Daniel Andrews and the then Deputy Premier and Emergency Services Minister James Merlino following the resignation of MP Jane Garret.
In our view, the Chief Officers and Commissioners are there to run emergency services that protect the people of Victoria. They have to make hard decisions, and put the safety of Victorians first and foremost in their minds. For a government to tie the hands of these officers behind their backs represents a complete dereliction of duty and a failure to govern for all.
The monitor also documents the long-standing systemic issue of the operation of the “consult and agree” arrangements within FRV that act as a significant barrier to progressing actions jointly led by CFA and FRV. He reports on the significant delays and the result of no clear pathways for resolution.
Again, it is our view that the blame for these arrangements lies squarely with the Victorian Government for agreeing to these arrangements in the first place. These arrangements are unprecedented, and no other Australian State or Territory government has ever transferred management control of an emergency service to a third party.
It is a complete travesty for a government to shirk its responsibilities to the people of Victoria by implementing completely unworkable arrangements that have been proven to be intractable and unworkable for decades. And it’s not as if they weren’t warned. Judge Gordon Lewis first reported on these problems back in 2008, a whole six years before the Andrews Government was even elected, warning how these processes can be abused and lead to the complete deterioration and paralysis of decision making. Findings the independent monitor has echoed today, some 16 years later.
Enough is enough, and VFBV is calling on the Premier to intercede and commit to fixing these issues once and for all. Both Premier Allan and Minister Symes inherited these ridiculous arrangements and have diligently done their level best to make them work. But it is now time for this chapter to be closed, and we are respectfully requesting an immediate commitment to fixing it. The government must restore the CFA Chief Officer’s control of his operational workforce.
In addition, we are calling on the Victorian Government to implement immediate transparency measures that will force the public reporting of the weekly vacancies from here on in. Sunlight is the best antiseptic, and if they are serious about fixing the problem, they should be accountable for it.
VFBV will continue pursuing CFA’s deteriorating budget situation that we updated you on back in July , and the chronic underfunding of CFA’s truck fleet that is seeing 34 year old fire trucks still in service. These trucks belong in a museum, not a modern fire service that the governments reform propaganda promised.
CFA must be fully funded and supported as we head into this and every other year’s Fire Season. CFA volunteers and the Victorian public deserve no less.
The FSIM is providing government with a generous opportunity to save face and course correct. The time to do so is now, not following the next major disaster and at the business end of a resulting Royal Commission.
As I was pondering why the FSIM may not have made specific recommendations that go to the heart of the problems, I was reminded of the limited scope provided in the legislation as to his role as monitor, but also the criticisms we levelled at government around their reforms in the first place.
These arrangements were never consulted on, and never discussed within the Victorian fire services. No wonder they haven’t worked. They were doomed from the get-go because the architects failed to harness the true depth of local expertise and knowledge across our respective cohorts.
In a 2021 article for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, former economist, public servant, adviser and minster’s minder the late Dr Peter McCawley AM opined “…handling truth needs a touch both tough and delicate. The art is to uphold the gold standard while upholding the minister, point to where the trash is buried, take the chance to confess to errors, and even hint at what good policy might look like.”
Perhaps then the monitor has provided the government a blessing in disguise.
As we see off 2024, I hope all members have an opportunity to get some rest over the festive season, and to all those on our firegrounds over summer – stay safe, and please look after yourselves and each other.
Vale
We were saddened to learn of the passing of VFBV District 23 Council Secretary Jim Buchan in November. Jim had been the District 23 Council Secretary since 2015 and a CFA member with the Eldorado brigade for more than 37 years.
During his time, Jim held many roles including firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Group Secretary/Treasurer, VFBV delegate and Brigade Community Safety Coordinator. Jim was also a key contributor to the writing of the “Make Tankers Ten” a book on the history of the Wangaratta Fire Brigades Group.
Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, friends, loved ones, the Eldorado brigade and Wangaratta Group and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Vol Survey
The 2024-25 annual VFBV Volunteer Survey is now open.
The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. All responses are confidential and de-identified results go straight to decision makers. By taking part in the survey you help us make a difference in CFA.
The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing.
The gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome. This measure helps to identify volunteer dissatisfaction and where priority attention should be directed by CFA and Government.
Scan the QR code below or click here to take part in the survey today.
Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141
State Championships
Entries as well as nominations for judges and officials have opened for the 2025 State Championships to be held in Mooroopna.
The State Urban Junior Championship will take place on the weekend of 22 and 23 March 2025, followed by the State Rural Junior and Senior Championships and the State Urban Senior Championship on the 29 and 30 March 2025. All entries and nominations will be collected online again this year with details available on the VFBV website.
Information for competing teams including links to request entry forms for the championships, judge and official nomination forms, and information relating to each championship from the rural and urban competition committees is on the VFBV website.
The VFBV website also has updated rule books for both championships and a list of competitions to be held around the state in the lead up to the State Championship for both rural and urban competitions.
The popular Torchlight Procession will again form part of the second weekend of competition, taking place on Saturday 29 March in Mooroopna. Participation in the Torchlight Procession is open to all brigades, even if your brigade isn’t taking in the championships that weekend.
Entries as well as judge and official nominations will close on Sunday 16th February 2025. If you have any queries relating to the state championships or need assistance during the registration process please contact the VFBV Office on (03) 9886 1141 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Op Ed: Funding up in smoke
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
First published in The Weekly Times 4 December 2024
Just weeks ago, smoke haze over much of Victoria reminded Victorians that the fire season has arrived. Firefighters are busy reminding the public that fire safety is a shared responsibility, and households must act now to prepare their properties. Common sense for people who live in one of the world’s most fire prone areas.
What is not common sense, is the cut and run financial mismanagement of CFA’s funding, as the State Government shirks its responsibility to invest in the very fire service that will ask volunteer firefighters to stand shoulder to shoulder against whatever Mother Nature throws at us this season.
Without this investment, these brave men and women will be forced to use 34-year-old fire trucks, housed in aging stations that won’t even fit a new truck should they be lucky enough to receive one.
The 2023/24 CFA annual report has revealed the blow torch being applied to Victoria’s volunteer fire service. A record $67 million, or 20% of total State Government funding to CFA in the last financial year was secretly funnelled away by the Department of Justice and Community Safety to fund its army of public servants who will never hold a hose or ride on the back of an old fire truck.
That money could have replaced 206 light tankers or 138 medium tankers – the work horses of CFA’s fleet.
To add insult to injury, after hiking its Fire Service Property levy to collect an additional $186 million this year, Treasury has admitted that only 25% of the levy goes towards CFA, effectively meaning regional Victorian’s are funding FRV’s cost blowouts.
The only commitment from the extra revenue was to build just 15 new pumpers over the next three years. Cold comfort for a fleet that contains more than 218. And nothing compared to the 1,970 tankers that will require replacing and did not receive a single extra cent.
There isn’t a police levy, a hospital levy or a school levy. CFA volunteers wonder why even with a fire levy they are left out in the cold. They are being left to largely fund CFA themselves through the billion dollars of value they donate each year through their free labour and the millions more raised through their fundraising.
The fourth Annual Report from the government’s independent Fire Services Implementation Monitor also landed with a thud last week, revealing that despite FRV’s record funding – it has failed to provide the CFA Chief Officer with 20% of the senior officers that they are contractually required to provide under the controversial secondment arrangements foisted on CFA under the government’s reforms.
CFA volunteers do not raise these concerns for their own sake, but rather on behalf of the public who will rely on these services when disaster next strikes. The devasting Black Saturday fires were only 15 years ago, but it appears the government have learned nothing.
While CFA’s volunteers are highly professional, expertly trained and sought after right across the country– they can only do so much with what they are being given. They will continue doing everything in their power to protect Victorian’s this summer, but you need to know - the odds are firmly being stacked against them.
SOP Feedback
VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
International Volunteer Day
In 2024, International Volunteer Day is highlighting the vital role volunteers play in addressing the world’s challenges.
International Volunteer Day is held annually on 5 December and is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate the efforts of volunteers and promote the work of volunteers in their communities. The day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly, and is mandated as an international observance to be celebrated each year.
This year’s campaign is recognising that in every corner of the world, volunteers are usually the first to respond when required and they rise to meet challenges with courage dedication and selflessness which sums up CFA volunteers perfectly. Each day we see CFA volunteers going above and beyond to ensure that their local communities and communities right across Victoria and Australia are safe and protected from fire and other emergencies.
The 3V’s project conducted by the previous Volunteer Consultative Forum conservatively estimated that emergency management volunteers contribute between $1.9 and $2.5 billion to Victoria each and every year across all volunteer emergency service agencies.
On behalf of VFBV, thankyou to all our amazing CFA volunteers for the work you do each and every day keeping Victorian’s safe.
CFA Board Applications
VFBV will shortly be commencing our broad advertising for volunteers who may be interested in being nominated to the CFA Board as a volunteer nominee.
Two positions on the CFA Board are due to expire in June of next year, and members are requested to start thinking about potential applicants, application and selection detail.
Application and selection details will be advertised shortly.
Quarterly Supplement
Included with the December 2024 edition of Fire Wise is the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates, information on current issues being pursued by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes additional resources or updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
Please update records with Fire Wise
Newly elected Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigades Secretaries are asked to update their physical and email addresses with Fire Wise as soon as possible so future editions, both printed and electronic, can be forwarded to the correct person, at the correct address.
If the September edition of Fire Wise has gone to previous officers please advise by email or telephone of the name, physical and email address details of the new officer in your place so our database can be updated.
Existing Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigade Secretaries are requested to provide their email address, if they haven’t already done so, to enable future electronic editions to be forwarded.
VFBV District Presidents, District Secretaries and State Councillors, as well as all brigade and individual subscribers, are requested to send their email address if not already receiving digital editions.
Please include the Group or Brigade you belong to and the office held, and forward this information to Fire Wise by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone on 0402 051 412.
A complimentary copy of Fire Wise, courtesy of VFBV, is sent to each of these officers monthly.
Eight editions per annum are electronic (January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November) and the other four (March, June, September and December) are printed. The printed editions include the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
Your email addresses will only be used to forward electronic editions.
Your assistance is appreciated in helping us get Fire Wise to the intended people in the quickest amount of time.
Research study on support needs following suicide loss in emergency services
Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), a charity of The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG), is conducting a study examining the support needs of those impacted by the suicide death of an emergency service member.
They are inviting family members, co-workers, healthcare professionals, and service providers to participate by sharing their perspectives and experiences through a survey and optional interview. MESHA are wanting to hear anyone with experience in accessing support following the suicide death of a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, correctional officer and other first responder, whether they were employed full-time, part-time or a volunteer.
For more information or to participate in the study please visit the MESHA website.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
Now Open - 2024-25 VFBV Volunteer Survey
VFBV Statement – Explosive Independent Fire Services Monitor Findings
Position Vacant - VFBV Support Officer (North East)
SOP Feedback – Electrical Safety
2025 State Championships Entries Open
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Entries have opened for the 2025 State Championships, as with previous years entries and judge and official nominations for all State Championships will be collected online.
The 2025 State Championship dates are:
State Urban Junior Championship Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March 2025
State Urban Senior Championship Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March 2025
State Rural Senior Championship Saturday 29th March 2025
State Rural Junior Championship Sunday 30th March 2025
Entries for all State Championships close on Sunday 16th February 2025. Please note that it is unlikely that late entries will be accepted.
New Member Registrations
Brigades should commence the new member registration process ASAP to enable them to be registered to compete in both local competitions and the State Championships.
The new member registration process via the Volunteer Recruitment Hub takes longer than the old processes and needs to be stated well in advance of the Championships to ensure that members are registered before competing.
VFBV has no control over this process and CFA will not authorise competitors who have not completed this to compete at the State Championships. To register a new member please visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/apply-to-volunteer
State Rural Championships - Junior & Senior
Team Entries and Registration
The brigade member responsible for completing their team’s entry should complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/2025-entry-eoi
A link to the entry form will then be sent to you (please note that this is not sent automatically and therefore should be requested sooner rather than later). Entry forms need to be completed by Sunday 16th February 2025.
The entry form should only be requested by the member responsible for completing the team’s entry.
Judge and Officials Nominations
All Judges and Officials nominations are to be submitted here: https://tinyurl.com/2025-rural-judge
Please note that you do not need to register as an official for the Rural State Championships if you are nominating to be part of the make up crews, this information is collected via the Team entry forms.
Information for Completing Brigades
A memo with information for competing brigades can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. It includes information on the updated rule book, local competition dates, outstanding female team award and information about the Torchlight Procession which will once again be held at the 2025 State Championships on Saturday evening.
Updated Rule Book
The State Competition Committee have approved changes to the Rule Book at their October 2024 meeting. The updates approved by the Committee include the inclusion of a new disqualification relating to commencing the ascent of the ladder above the second rung and the inclusion of new diagrams.
The Committee have also agreed to new changes on how the Champion Team is calculated at the Junior Championship. The Champion Brigade will be determined by adding together the brigade’s highest placing teams in both age groups regardless of their letter designation.
A copy of the updated rule book can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Printed copies of the rule book are available from the VFBV office if required.
State Urban Championships - Junior & Senior
Team entries
The brigade member responsible for completing their team’s entry should complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/2025-entry-eoi
A link to the entry form will then be sent to you (please note that this is not sent automatically and therefore should be requested sooner rather than later). The entry forms need to be completed by Sunday 16th February 2025.
The entry form should only be requested by the member responsible for completing the team’s entry.
Judge and Official Nominations
All Judges and Officials nominations are to be submitted here: https://tinyurl.com/2025-urban-judge
Information for Competing Brigades
The December 2024 Memo from the Competition and Rules Committee to Competing Brigades and Competition Associations can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. The Memo includes the rule book updates, local competition dates and reminders about borrowing for the female aggregate events.
Rule Book
The updated rule book can be downloaded from the VFBV website the 2024 changes include specifying the minimum number of competitors required to enter 2 teams in A Section at the Senior Championship.
Queries and Assistance with Entries and Judge/Official Nominations
If you have any problems accessing the online forms, please contact either the VFBV office via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 03 9886 1141 or Jen at CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0448 459 132.
Please note if you have query, there will be limited response over the Christmas/New Year period however you will receive a response as soon as possible after this time.
VFBV Statement - Explosive Independent Fire Services Monitor Findings
Written by VFBVThe independent Fire Services Implementation Monitor (FSIM) has slammed the secondment arrangements and concluded that in his opinion and the unanimous opinion of senior leaders of the fire services (CFA & FRV) that the arrangements are not working, have not worked for quite some time and in fact will never work.
And while these findings do not come as a surprise to VFBV who has been the canary in the coalmine about these issues for years, these findings from an independent monitor herald a crossroads for the Victorian Government. An opportunity to make right.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) are contractually required to supply CFA with 45 Assistant Chief Fire Officers, and 96 Commanders. These are key positions and are critical to CFA’s ability to perform its role and respond to fire and emergencies in one of the world’s most fire prone area’s.
The independent monitor reports on average in any given week there are at least 17 senior vacancies amongst the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Commander pool each week. The monitor also finds that at its worst, there can be more than 33 vacancies in a week, accounting for more than 20% of CFA’s paid operational workforce. These figures are supported by volunteer brigades who frequently report to us the shortages and gaps of support they are now routinely having to deal with.
These are alarming figures as we head into Victoria’s fire danger period.
VFBV wish to make clear that our attacks on the secondment arrangements are in no way a reflection on the secondees themselves, but rather a reflection on the misguided arrangements that set them up to fail in the first place. We respect and support each of the individual secondees loaned from FRV to CFA, and have great empathy for the impossible position they are often put in requiring them to straddle two significantly different organisational cultures, two entirely separate chains of command, and unacceptably high vacancy rates from unfilled positions which pushes these brave men and women to exhaustion as they try to cover empty positions while trying to protect themselves from burnout. CFA volunteers support them, and demand that they be treated better.
The CFA Chief Officer is forced to rely on 94% of his operational chain of command to be seconded from a different organisation. In fact, the Chief Officer is left with only 9 Deputy Chief Officers directly reporting to him, with all the remaining 141 uniformed officers in his chain of command forced to be seconded from FRV. The Chief does not even get the chance to choose which ones.
The monitor has reported repeated instances where these arrangements do not work and have constrained CFA’s ability to effectively manage secondees and address the vacancy and non-relief of the seconded positions.
Despite being contractually obliged to fill these positions, when seconded positions are not filled, FRV pocket the savings and redirect them to funding their own cost blowouts leaving CFA completely in the lurch. This is totally unacceptable.
VFBV reminds members that these arrangements were never discussed or proposed by the fire services themselves. In fact, the CFA and MFB Chief Officers of the time were not even privy to the discussions and negotiations who along with volunteers - were left completely in the dark.
A 2017 Parliamentary Inquiry into the arrangements recommended the legislation not proceed and be withdrawn. The inquiry uncovered that the secondment arrangements along with other reforms were cooked up by a small group working in secret within the Department of Premier and Cabinet under Premier Daniel Andrews and the then Deputy Premier and Emergency Services Minister James Merlino following the resignation of MP Jane Garret.
In VFBV’s view, the Chief Officer’s and Commissioner’s are there to run emergency services that protect the people of Victoria. They have to make hard decisions, and put the safety of Victorians first and foremost in their minds. For a government to tie the hands of these officers behind their backs represents a complete dereliction of duty and a failure to govern for all.
The monitor documents the long-standing systemic issue of the operation of the “consult and agree” arrangements within FRV that act as a significant barrier to progressing actions jointly led by CFA and FRV. He reports on the significant delays and the result of no clear pathways for resolution.
It is VFBV’s view that the blame for these arrangements lies squarely with the Victorian Government for agreeing to them in the first place. These arrangements are unprecedented, and no other Australian State or Territory government have ever transferred control of an emergency service to a third party.
It is a complete travesty for a government to shirk its responsibilities to the people of Victoria by implementing completely unworkable arrangements that have been proven to be intractable and unworkable for decades. Judge Gordon Lewis first reported on these problems back in 2008, a whole 6 years before the Andrew’s Government was even elected, warning them of how these processes can be abused and lead to the complete deterioration and paralysis of decision making. Findings the independent monitor has echoed today.
VFBV is calling on the Premier to intercede and commit to fixing these issues once and for all.
Both Premier Allan and Minister Symes inherited these ridiculous arrangements and have diligently done their level best to make them work. But it is now time for this chapter to be called to an end, and we respectfully request an immediate commitment to fixing it. The government must restore the CFA Chief Officer’s control of his operational workforce.
In addition, we call on the Victorian Government to implement immediate transparency measures that will force the public reporting of the weekly vacancies from here on in, and immediately commit to directing any weekly FRV budget savings from the unfilled positions to be diverted back to CFA’s truck funding in order to prioritise the replacement of CFA’s 30+ year fire trucks.
CFA must be fully funded and supported as we head into this year’s Fire Season. CFA volunteers and the Victorian public deserve no less.
A PDF version of the above statement can be downloaded from the bottom of this page along with a copy of the Fire Services Implementation Monitor Year 4 Annual Report 2023-24 and the Judge Gordon Lewis Report
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About VFBV: VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria. |
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Media: Quotes may be attributed to VFBV CEO, Adam Barnett on behalf of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria |
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Cancer Support
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
This month I wish to shine a light on work that largely goes unseen and unrecognised, but that none the less makes a really big difference to those who need to avail themselves of this support from VFBV. A little like insurance, people often do not realise how important this support is until they need it the most. And while we hope no-one will ever need it, the sad reality is some of our members will be diagnosed with cancer, thought to be a direct result of their cumulative exposures over the years as a volunteer firefighter.
Victorian law currently recognises 15 presumptive cancers that have been scientifically proven to be associated with the carcinogens and toxins that firefighters are exposed to when fighting fires. VFBV continues to advocate for the expansion of the scheme. Other jurisdiction have revised their schemes with updated medical evidence and added additional cancers. QLD for example cover 22 cancers, while Tasmania covers 21. You will find a comparison table of all Australian States and Territories on our website.
The Victorian legislation covers CFA volunteer firefighters, FRV career firefighters, Forest firefighters employed by FFMVic and fire agency vehicle and equipment maintenance employees.
Under the presumptive scheme, a firefighter is generally not required to prove the cancer was caused by their firefighting provided it is one of the 15 cancers listed under the legislation and that the minimum eligibility/qualifying requirement is met for the specific cancer. The qualifying period (years of service as a firefighter) ranges from 5 years to 25 years depending on the type of cancer.
It is called a rebuttable presumption, meaning that while the firefighter is not required to prove the cancer was caused by their firefighting and therefore it is presumed, the insurer is allowed to rebut that presumption and pursue an alternate cause, however the onus is shifted to the insurer to have to prove what they think the other causes are.
However, the Victorian legislation contains a quirk that is not found in the majority of other Australian state and territory presumptive schemes. Under the Victorian legislation, the presumption only applies if the “injury” (which is usually the date of diagnosis for cancer) occurs during the period you are considered a firefighter, or within 10 years after you cease to serve as a firefighter.
As members would recall, presumptive rights compensation was very hard fought for over a long period of time by both career and volunteer firefighters. The Victorian legislation was controversial in the sense that it was tied to other controversial reforms to the fire services that had nothing to do with presumptive rights, but also because it created an additional hoop that Victorian volunteer firefighters need to progress through before their claim is even considered, which does not exist in any other State or Territory.
This extra hoop is by way of a special “Advisory Committee” which is established by the Minister - whose purpose is to provide an ‘expert opinion’ on whether a volunteer firefighter has attended fires to the extent reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes of service as a firefighter under the presumptive legislation.
And while VFBV and other parties raised serious concerns around this element of the legislation pointing to the fact that no other State or Territory uses this approach - the government at the time refused all requests for amendment.
For these reasons, VFBV has been monitoring very closely each case that has progressed through the presumptive rights scheme to understand the impact of the advisory committee and whether it was having any negative impacts or unintended consequences.
Earlier this year, a volunteer was in fact rejected from presumptive rights based on the opinion of the advisory panel that they had not attended fires to the extent ‘reasonably necessary’.
What made this case unique, was the advisory panel had interpreted the requirement for the date of diagnosis to fall within 10 years of their ‘firefighting’ service as a minimum eligibility requirement, and since, in the opinion of the committee, that this member was now in a ‘non operational’ role and CFA had not recorded any attendance to a fire in the last 10 years that they no longer qualified.
What made this decision so shocking, was the fact that CFA’s records were incomplete, none of his recent turnouts were recorded because he had been incorrectly classified in RMS as non-operational, and this supposed ‘non-operation’ role routinely was deployed to the fireground. Even worse, this was a highly decorated firefighter, with close to 50 years of service, and who had attended hundreds if not thousands of incidents over their lifetime including extensive deployments during Black Saturday and Ash Wednesday. The very person presumptive rights was expected to cover.
This new inappropriate interpretation of the 10-year requirement to a current serving member is further highlighted when you consider the minimum qualifying periods for some of the cancers. For example, primary site oesophageal cancer requires a qualifying period of 25 years. Under this new interpretation, despite a current volunteer having met the 25 year requirement attending fires, if they hadn’t been to what the advisory committee determine to be a sufficient number in the volunteer’s last 10 years of service (for example years 25 – 35 of their service) despite attending thousands of fires prior - then this member’s entire service history could be ignored.
All this despite cancer not magically appearing on an exact timeline. For the scheme to assume it does is deeply flawed, and we believe tying the sunset clause with the attendance criteria is an unintended consequence of the construction of the legislation which simply added volunteers to the scheme as an afterthought. To think a long serving firefighter could be excluded from a system simply based on their last 10 years in a lifetime of service is just plain wrong.
We do not believe this was the intent of the 10-year ‘sunsetting’ period. And while we didn’t agree with it existing in the first place, it was always described to us as meaning the presumption would end 10 years after a firefighter left the service or retired. But to think it being used to exclude a current serving volunteer with decades of service to their community is very distressing. This magical 10-year period does not apply in most other State’s or Territories either.
Fortunately, in this case, we were able to demonstrate significant errors which allowed for this member’s case to be reevaluated. However, this and other recent cases have highlighted some recurring issues that are now forming a pattern, and that we are now seeking to educate members on.
For example, the accuracy of CFA’s service records and incident attendance continues to be a significant barrier. As a result, we highly recommend that members request their records from CFA before they submit a claim, to ensure you have the time to correct those records and fill in any gaps.
CFA will also not supply any other records from other services. So if you have service history with another fire service, either within Victoria or elsewhere, it is important you request those records from the respective agency first, so we can help you combine them with your CFA records.
It is also important to consider any significant events that might be missing from your service history. This is where brigade records may be more accurate than those stored on RMS or FIRS, especially historical records.
My main advice for anyone who is pursuing a presumptive legislation claim is to ensure you get in touch with VFBV so we can assist you with the process. The WorkSafe process can be very daunting for a volunteer, and the various forms and paperwork can be very confusing for CFA volunteers in particular, as some sections require you to document your private employer, whereas other sections assume that CFA is the employer in terms of your firefighting.
We now have extensive experience assisting volunteers through this process and can help you with all the relevant forms and processes.
We are also engaged in constructive discussions with government on some of the issues confronting volunteers as they navigate the presumptive scheme, and I remain hopeful that common sense amendments may be considered. We’ll keep working on ensuring the system is working as intended and will keep you apprised of progress.
NEW CFA CEO
In mid-October, CFA announced the appointment of Greg Leach AFSM as the new CFA Chief Executive Officer. Greg is well known to VFBV from his time with CFA where he originally joined as a volunteer in 1978, before applying to be a career firefighter. Greg went on to serve in senior roles within CFA, before broadening his horizons with senior roles with Ambulance Victoria and the MFB. He recently served as Commissioner for QFES in QLD, before returning to Victoria last year where he was appointed as the CEO for SES Vic.
On behalf of volunteers and VFBV I welcome Greg home, and look forward to working closely with him and Chief Officer Heffernan over the coming years as we continue to strengthen Victoria’s most trusted and respected community fire service.
I would also like to extend my thanks and admiration for Robyn Harris who has acted as CFA’s interim CEO following the departure of Natalie MacDonald back in July. I have enjoyed working with Robyn and thank her most sincerely for her service. The interim gig is always a tough ask, but I am confident CFA has been well served under her leadership.
Vol Survey
The 2024-25 annual VFBV Volunteer Survey is now open.
The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. All responses are confidential and de-identified results go straight to decision makers. By taking part in the survey you help us make a difference in CFA.
The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing.
The gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome. This measure helps to identify volunteer dissatisfaction and where priority attention should be directed by CFA and Government.
Scan the QR code below or click here to take part in the survey today.
Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
Joint Committee EOI
We are now accepting expressions of interest from volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Committee’s for the 2025 calendar year.
If you feel you can contribute and have the time, are passionate about one of the eight streams and want to be an integral part of our Joint Committee process – then please visit our website or talk to your local VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer for a nomination form.
Nominations are due 25th November 2024.
We are seeking volunteers from broad and diverse backgrounds to participate in our consultative structures. Young members, women and members of culturally diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to nominate. We also want to attract volunteers from as broad a range of brigade types and risk profiles as possible. If you would like to learn more about what the role entails and how to get involved, please contact your local VFBV Support Officer, State Councillor or Executive Officer Mark Dryden.
SOP feedback
CFA has recently released another 17 SOP’s for volunteer feedback and consultation. Given the recent controversy, VFBV has prioritised SOP’s related to electrical safety and electrical infrastructure.
Given the importance of SOP’s in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
Position Vacant – VFBV Support Officer (North East)
VFBV is seeking to appoint a VFBV Support Officer to work in regional Victoria with VFBV District Councils, Brigades and volunteers to facilitate consultation, issues resolution, delegate support and volunteer engagement.
The position is a state role, with emphasis and focus on providing support throughout CFA’s North East region (CFA Districts 12, 13, 22, 23 and 24).
This is an existing position, with the incumbent to depart shortly. In addition to relevant skills and experience outlined in the position description, candidates will need to understand CFA and volunteerism, be good listeners; be able to facilitate good consultation; ability to establish productive networks; navigate through complex issues resolution; be self-starters; have the ability to work remotely and have a passion to improve arrangements that benefit the welfare and efficiency of CFA volunteers.
Extensive travel is required and flexible work base locations will be considered for the position, with the priority focus to assign a work location within the CFA North East Region. Flexible working arrangements, to cater for extensive evening and weekend work, will be tailored to match the needs of our volunteer membership base. This is a full time position.
Prior to applying you should familiarise yourself with the Position description which is available from the VFBV website.
Applications close on Monday 9th December 2024.
Board Elections
Following the October AGM, the VFBV Board has held its annual elections. Samantha Collins has been re-elected State President, Howard Smith has been elected as State Vice President, and Libby Hay has been re-elected as Treasurer.
The Board also welcomed Kelvin Bateman to the Board, who was appointed following the retirement of Greg Walcott, who was presented with VFBV Life Membership at this year’s AGM.
Kelvin is Captain of Dunrobin- Nangeela Fire Brigade in District 4, and is also a Deputy Group Officer with the Casterton Group. Kelvin is passionate about improving volunteer amenities and has been a strong advocate for new trucks, fit for purpose fire stations which can house current vehicle typology and improvements to volunteer health and safety.
State Council also held elections for the two ex-officio members who are appointed by State Council for a one-year term to the Board, with Graeme Jilbert (District 18) re-elected, and Andy Cusack AFSM (District 4) elected as a State Council nominee following Howard Smith’s appointment to the Board.
VESEP
The Minister for Emergency Services the Hon Jaclyn Symes has announced the successful projects for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) 2024/25.
VFBV would like to congratulate the 179 brigades and groups that have been successful in this round of VESEP.
CFA brigades and groups will share in $11 million dollars’ worth of co-funding for projects and initiatives from the annual grants program which helps fund much needed new and upgrades to operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements for brigades and groups in every district across the state.
To any brigade or group who was unsuccessful in this year’s allocation, it is recommended you contact your District office to ascertain what improvements could be made to your application and prepare your submission early for the next round of grants.
Congratulations to all the successful brigades and groups.
Fire Wise – November 2024 online only edition
The November 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please update records with Fire Wise
Newly elected Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigades Secretaries are asked to update their physical and email addresses with Fire Wise as soon as possible so future editions, both printed and electronic, can be forwarded to the correct person, at the correct address.
If the September edition of Fire Wise has gone to previous officers please advise by email or telephone of the name, physical and email address details of the new officer in your place so our database can be updated.
Existing Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigade Secretaries are requested to provide their email address, if they haven’t already done so, to enable future electronic editions to be forwarded.
VFBV District Presidents, District Secretaries and State Councillors, as well as all brigade and individual subscribers, are requested to send their email address if not already receiving digital editions.
Please include the Group or Brigade you belong to and the office held, and forward this information to Fire Wise by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone on 0402 051 412.
A complimentary copy of Fire Wise, courtesy of VFBV, is sent to each of these officers monthly.
Eight editions per annum are electronic (January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November) and the other four (March, June, September and December) are printed. The printed editions include the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
Your email addresses will only be used to forward electronic editions.
Your assistance is appreciated in helping us get Fire Wise to the intended people in the quickest amount of time.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
2025 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
SOP Feedback – Response to Solar Facilities and Working Near Electrical Structures
SOP Feedback – Electrical Safety
SOP Feedback - Various (November 2024)
2024-25 Urban local competition schedule and updated rule book
Presumptive Legislation Update
Position Vacant – VFBV Support Officer (North East)
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
VFBV is seeking to appoint a VFBV Support Officer to work in regional Victoria with VFBV District Councils, Brigades and volunteers to facilitate consultation, issues resolution, delegate support and volunteer engagement.
The position is a state role, but with emphasis and focus on providing support throughout CFA’s North East region (CFA Districts 12, 13, 22, 23 and 24).
This is an existing position, with the incumbent due to depart shortly.
In addition to relevant skills and experience outlined in the position description, candidates will need to understand CFA and volunteerism, be good listeners; be able to facilitate good consultation; ability to establish productive networks; navigate through complex issues resolution; be self-starters; have the ability to work remotely and have a passion to improve arrangements that benefit the welfare and efficiency of CFA volunteers.
Knowledge and understanding of VFBV will be highly regarded but is not a pre-requisite.
Extensive travel is required and flexible work base locations will be considered for the position, with the priority focus to assign a work location within the CFA North East Region.
Flexible working arrangements, to cater for extensive evening and weekend work, will be tailored to match the needs of our volunteer membership base.
This is a full time position.
Prior to applying you should familiarise yourself with the Position description which is available at the bottom of this page.
How to apply
All applications must include:
i. A current resume
ii. A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description (including brief samples of previous written communications/reports so we assess your writing style)
Send applications to the attention of the CEO, VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Applications close Monday 9th December, 2024.
Any questions or queries regarding the application process should be directed to Cathie Smith at the VFBV Office on (03) 9886 1141 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Any interested applicants for the position are also encouraged to speak with one of our existing VFBV Support Officers and/or State Councillor’s who would be more than happy to give you an outline of the role.
Formal consultation has commenced on eight modified Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
SOP 9.03 - Incident Briefings and SMEACS-Q
SOP 9.24 - Reporting on Scene at a Fire or Incident
SOP 11.01 - Infection Control at Incidents
SOP 11.02 - Medical Monitoring - Biological and Hazardous Substances
SOP 11.07 - Role and Responsibilities of Safety Officers/Field Safety Officer
SOP 11.08 - Disposal of Sharps, Syringes and Contaminated Products
SOP 11.11 - Management of Jewellery and Body Hair
SOP 11.13 - LACES
Members are encouraged to review the revised SOP's and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policies.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
Most of the revisions to these SOP's are relatively minor. For this reason, a single survey has been developed that walks members through each of the substantive changes as a simple way to provide feedback.
You can access the survey for these SOP's via : https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/j5UAyG
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback is due Monday 2nd December 2024. But we encourage members to respond ASAP.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Complete the survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/j5UAyG
- Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
SOP Feedback - Response to Solar Facilities and Working Near Electrical Structures
Written by VFBV
Formal consultation has commenced on two new proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) relating to responding to Solar Facilities and Working Near Electrical Structures/Conductors.
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
SOP 10.30 Response at Solar Facilities
SOP 11.04 Working Near Electrical Structures/Conductors
Members are encouraged to review the revised SOP's and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policies.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
We have developed a survey for each SOP that walks members through each clause and provides a simple way to provide feedback.
SOP 10.30 Response at Solar Facilities: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/GfDTpx
SOP 11.04 Working Near Electrical Structures/Conductors: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/AzDTJ6
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback is due by Monday 18th November. But we encourage members to respond ASAP.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Complete the survey for each SOP:
SOP 10.30: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/GfDTpx
SOP 11.04: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/AzDTJ6 - Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
Feedback Loop
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Consistency and remaining on message are two of the most crucial elements of successful advocacy. Given our principles and expectations of CFA are laid out for all to read in the Volunteer Charter, I am sometimes somewhat bemused at people who are surprised by volunteer reaction to some policy proposals. Anyone bothering to do a small amount of research should be able to roughly estimate whether something is likely to be warmly received, or alternatively detested and rejected.
Therefore, one of the things that makes me particularly cranky is when I hear people accusing volunteers of not embracing change. Rubbish.
CFA volunteers are not against change. They are against pointless change and change for changes sake, or change that has not been thought out, is not resourced or funded, or is simply unachievable.
The Charter provides six fairly simple principles: (1) Is it fair? (2) Is it just? (3) Is it reasonable? (4) Does it discriminate? (5) Is it practicable and sustainable? And finally, (6) Is it in the best interests of the community?
And when evaluating change against these principles, volunteers are not going to fall for corporate or political spin that asks them to suspend all reality, and they will not blindly just go along with something because someone thinks its trendy. And honestly, who can blame them?
Volunteer firefighters have protected their communities from fire and other disasters since time immemorial, and most reviews into disasters rarely find issues with the local response or brigade, but rather the systems, processes or interventions forced upon them by bureaucrats and administrators.
So, know - that when you propose a changed policy or arrangement, volunteers will evaluate it with full candour and unapologetic pragmatism. If you are only interested in policy that works, is sustainable and makes a positive difference – then this should not alarm you.
As volunteer firefighters, we work in a complex and dangerous sector and are dealing with risks that constantly change and require dynamic risk assessments. Our assessment of corporate policy is not going to be any different.
Therefore, it should surprise no one that simply proposing changes based on the “vibe”, and without any evidence base, without sharing any research or analysis about the problem trying to be solved, how the solution will supposedly fix it or the simple matter of bringing people along on the journey – the only people that should be surprised by volunteer resistance are the people probably most to blame for their idea flopping in the first place. Themselves.
What if the reason volunteers rejected the idea was simply because it was a dumb idea or simply wouldn’t work. Sounds like a pretty reasonable reason to me.
Volunteers are actually champions of change – changes that makes things simpler, quicker, more efficient and achieve better outcomes. Why then is it always so hard to get agencies to adopt these changes when we ask? So if you ask me who is more resistant to change – the agency or its volunteers, I know which one I’d pick.
In fact – brigades adapt faster to the changing risk profile of their communities than anyone else. In fact – the fire services as a whole often take years to catch-up. Almost every single retrofit or statewide program has followed one or more brigades proving a concept or demonstrating a need that finally leads to a statewide program or funding. The fact that volunteers did their own tests, procured and fundraised for their own equipment to make something work – often gets overlooked – but make no mistake – these are the ingenious origin stories to which most of the big advances in technology or fire service processes have sprung.
Therefore, I would like to sincerely thank members for their continued discipline in responding to our feedback requests. I read almost every single piece of feedback given, so I come from a unique vantage point to say I know and appreciate that many of you are sick and tired of the same old proposals being regurgitated with each change of personnel, or changes being proposed with no discernible improvement or outcome in mind.
Yet – you continue to be involved – and this is the most valuable lesson of all. Volunteering isn’t a job that you just tire of one day. That’s not to say you don’t get tired. But volunteering is a vocation and a passion. It comes out loud and clear from your feedback.
Your desire for the “system” to work for the benefit of your brigade and your community. Your wish that arrangements will actually encourage, support and strengthen the ability of volunteers to deliver CFA services. And your hope that your feedback will actually make a difference and may actually improve things.
And it is on this final point, I would like to digress.
Your feedback does make a difference. I read enough of your feedback to know many of you often don’t think it does but trust me when I say it makes a much bigger difference than you think. Even when the immediate results don’t appear that way – the sentiment and knowledge contained in your feedback outlasts single requests. So, even when CFA does not respond to the feedback or does not modify their position – your feedback is used to build VFBV’s organisational memory and is what heavily influences formal VFBV positions, and our continued advocacy for further change.
We don’t give up, and you can lose the battle without losing the war.
In a good news story, and to illustrate my point - I wanted to share with you the progress made on CFA’s revised Brigade Finance Policy which CFA has recently finalised.
Members would recall that CFA first released its initial drafts in June of last year. Back then, CFA released a brigade finance policy “suite” that consisted of six interrelated policies, totalling more than 21 individual pages of associated requirements. It would be fair to say that the ‘suite’ fell very flat on brigades, many of whom responded most unfavourably to the proposed arrangements, including the tone and needless complexity proposed. Very prominent in volunteer feedback was the principle that volunteers joined CFA to support an emergency service, they did not join to donate countless hours as unpaid public servants to the Victorian Government’s Treasury department.
After undertaking broad consultation with volunteers, VFBV provided formal feedback to CFA in October last year. And while I make no apologies, our feedback was rather forthright and candid and made the point that there was significant volunteer backlash to CFA’s proposals. But rather than just reject and criticise the policy, VFBV provided more than 10 pages of feedback and suggestions of how the arrangements could be adapted and improved to respond to volunteer concerns.
To be honest – it would have been much easier just to provide the criticism.
But what kind of partner would we be if we didn’t try to use our deep organisational knowledge to try and improve the outcome and help CFA improve its proposals and respond to the criticism? This is where your feedback was critical. Without people taking the time to explain why they did not support something – we would not have been able to provide the level of detail and analysis to help explain to CFA the reason behind the overwhelming rejection.
To CFA’s credit, the incoming CFA Chief Financial Officer (Sam Costanzo) who inherited the draft policy when he started in November last year, took all the feedback very constructively. In fact, both he and Robyn Harris as his direct line manager, committed to VFBV that they would diligently go through all the feedback and would methodically work through each of the areas of concern, checking back at regular intervals. And over the proceeding 10 months – that is exactly what they did – not just with VFBV, but also their internal teams so they could better understand why specific policy outcomes were being sought in the first place.
Which leads us to the new policy. A seven-page policy that replaces the six policies and 21 pages previously proposed. Key to the changes are;
- A tiered requirement for brigade financial plans, based on risk and providing simplified processes for brigades based on the level of their funds.
- Enhanced authorisations for brigade/group decision making and empowerment
- Easier to understand record keeping and reporting requirements
- Streamlined fundraising approval processes, and more practical processes for assessing donations and offers of sponsorship.
- Much clearer guidance on operating bank accounts and the use of debit cards
- A commitment by CFA to supporting Secretaries and Treasurers, minimise compliance burdens and provide tailored advice to volunteers
Significantly, CFA reversed and dropped its plans to charge volunteers for annual recognition events, prevent brigades from donating to natural disaster recovery charities, and stopping brigades from being able to lease office equipment like photocopiers and the like.
And while one could argue these were stupid proposals to begin with, I have been impressed with the good will, patience and scale in which CFA was prepared to completely re-write and reconsider its policy in order to respond to volunteer concerns.
A great result, and a good example of us working constructively together to work through the issues and improve the policy.
But this approach requires at least two things. A willingness by both sides to commit to genuine dialog that includes an open mind to reconsider previous positions, and the generous support of volunteers to entrust VFBV with their feedback and the reasons they think something will or will not work that supports our continued advocacy for a result that helps us argue for the changes required.
So, to those that contributed to the feedback on this and other items of late – thankyou. Don’t lose hope, and I hope this gives you confidence that your feedback can in fact make a difference – more often than not - a really big difference.
Joint Committee EOI’s
We are now accepting expressions of interest from volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees for the 2025 calendar year.
If you feel you can contribute and have the time, are passionate about one of the eight streams and want to be an integral part of our Joint Committee process – then please visit our website or talk to your local VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer for a nomination form.
Nominations are due 25 November 2024.
We are seeking volunteers from broad and diverse backgrounds to participate in our consultative structures. Young members, women and members of culturally diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to nominate. We also want to attract volunteers from as broad a range of brigade types and risk profiles as possible. If you would like to learn more about what the role entails and how to get involved, please contact your local VFBV Support Officer, State Councillor or Executive Officer Mark Dryden.
SOP Feedback
CFA has recently released another 17 revised SOPs for volunteer feedback and consultation. At time of press, we are currently undertaking a log of changes and will prepare SOP feedback surveys once we have completed our analysis of changes. These will be uploaded to the VFBV website shortly.
Given recent controversy, we are prioritising SOP’s related to Electrical Safety and electrical infrastructure and these will be the first available for feedback.
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
VFBV Vol Survey
This year’s annual VFBV Vol Survey will shortly be opening.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/vfbv-survey to pre-register and ensure you are notified as soon as it opens.
Big Fills deployed
The VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust has received all four of the single axle Big Fill trailer pumps that it ordered as part of the final phase of recovery works from the Black Summer bushfires. Each of the Big Fill’s has been donated to groups in the east and north east of the state most heavily impacted by the Black Summer fires. The four groups are; Omeo, Orbost, Mitchell/Tambo and Corryong Groups.
The Big Fills are a single axle trailer mounted pump with a water cooled diesel engine with a capacity of up to 2000 litres per minute at 700kPa. Big fills are a key part of brigades and groups ability to fill trucks quickly from a static water source.
They come equipped with a pneumatic light mast with 4 LED lights for night use as well as a ‘green’ water point strobe light for easy identification. The ability for VFBV to fund these critical pieces of equipment came about from some amazing support from members of the pubic and our good friends from the Barlow Impact Group.
All four Big Fills have now been deployed and seen action. In fact, during a handover presentation, VFBV Executive Officer Mark Dryden and VFBV D11 Vice President Michael Freshwater were at the Lindenow Fire Station where the donated Mitchell and Tambo group Big Fill is being kept, when they noticed thick black smoke billowing from the packing shed nearby.
The Big Fill was hooked up and responded alongside Lindenow Tanker and several other brigades from the District including Bairnsdale and Mt Taylor. After the incident Mr Freshwater confirmed that the Big Fill had proven its worth, and would be a valuable piece of equipment as we move into another busy fire season. VFBV hopes that the trailers will be a valuable resource for firefighters in the seasons ahead.
Pictured: VFBV Board Member Howard Smith (left) handing over a Big Fill to Corryong Group Officer Kevin Whitehead.
2025 State Championship dates
CFA has recently confirmed with VFBV the dates of the 2025 State Championships.
The Championships will again be held in Mooroopna on consecutive weekends in March 2025. The Urban Junior Championship will take place on the weekend of 22 and 23 March.
This will be followed by the Rural Senior and Junior Championships and the Urban Senior Championship on the weekend of 29 and 30 March which will include the Torchlight Procession on the Saturday evening.
Further information regarding entries and judge and official nominations will be available later this year.
Fire Wise – October 2024 online only edition
The October 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please update records with Fire Wise
Newly elected Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigades Secretaries are asked to update their physical and email addresses with Fire Wise as soon as possible so future editions, both printed and electronic, can be forwarded to the correct person, at the correct address.
If the September edition of Fire Wise has gone to previous officers please advise by email or telephone of the name, physical and email address details of the new officer in your place so our database can be updated.
Existing Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigade Secretaries are requested to provide their email address, if they haven’t already done so, to enable future electronic editions to be forwarded.
VFBV District Presidents, District Secretaries and State Councillors, as well as all brigade and individual subscribers, are requested to send their email address if not already receiving digital editions.
Please include the Group or Brigade you belong to and the office held, and forward this information to Fire Wise by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone on 0402 051 412.
A complimentary copy of Fire Wise, courtesy of VFBV, is sent to each of these officers monthly.
Eight editions per annum are electronic (January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November) and the other four (March, June, September and December) are printed. The printed editions include the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
Your email addresses will only be used to forward electronic editions.
Your assistance is appreciated in helping us get Fire Wise to the intended people in the quickest amount of time.
ESF Mental Health Showcase 2024
The Emergency Services Foundation will host the third annual Mental Health Showcase at Life Saving Victoria on Friday 11 October 2024.
The event brings together staff and volunteers who are interested in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria’s emergency service sector.
With support from the Victorian Government, ESF is able to offer 55 funded places for emergency service sector volunteers and accommodation for 40 regional volunteers to attend the event.
For more information and to register visit the ESF website.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
2025 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
SOP Feedback – Electrical Safety
2024-25 Urban local competition schedule and updated rule book
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Formal consultation has commenced on new proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) relating to electrical safety.
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
SOP 10.28 - Lithium-ion Batteries Undergoing Thermal Runaway
SOP 10.29 - Electric Vehicle Incidents
Members are encouraged to review the revised SOP's and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policies.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
We have developed a survey for each SOP that walks members through each clause and provides a simple way to provide feedback.
Survey for SOP 10.28 - Lithium-ion Batteries Undergoing Thermal Runaway : https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/OKBscJ
Survey for SOP 10.29 - Electric Vehicle Incidents: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/y3BsuU
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback due dates on these SOP's are yet to be determined due to the number of items currently out for consultation. But we encourage members to respond ASAP.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Complete the survey for each SOP:
SOP 10.28
SOP 10.29 - Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
Who would have thought?
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
On pages 5 – 8 of the VFBV September Quarterly Supplement that is included in this month’s Fire Wise newspaper, you will find the summary result of our most recent volunteer survey.
The survey was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024, and is the 12th annual survey conducted since its launch back in 2012.
Our survey is a critical and reliable method to capture the views of volunteers as well as monitoring short-and-long term trends and the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving CFA. It’s an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. It’s also one of the key opportunities for CFA volunteers to have their voices both individually and collectively heard, with the results studied by government, the sector and the CFA executive.
More than 2,185 volunteers provided their feedback on their CFA experience, which was 140 higher than the year before which is an outstanding result. This continues to make our survey the largest of its kind across Australia, by a significant margin and I’d like to thank each and every volunteer that participated. Together, we are making a difference, and you are helping improve CFA for generations to come.
So, what do the results tell us?
It tells us that the things within CFA’s direct control are incrementally getting better. Over the seven themes, none have got worse. Four have recorded a slight improvement, and three have remained the same. However, some of the individual measures have gone backwards which emphasis the need for continued vigilance.
The top three areas requiring the most attention, and recording the highest scores for dissatisfaction are; Training; Cooperation across CFA; and Respect and Professionalism.
Training again recorded the highest levels of dissatisfaction across all themes, with a VolWEL of 3.1 which keeps it in the category of ‘critical need for priority attention’. This was one of the themes that did not move this year, with the year before recording a 0.1 positive movement.
A reminder that a high VolWEL is an indication that things are not working well, while a lower VolWEL indicates things are more closely meeting expectation. A VolWEL of zero would mean volunteer expectations are being perfectly met. In our colour coding, we assign a score anywhere between 0 to 0.9 as meeting expectations with anything above 1.0 indicating there is potential for improvement.
When we drill down into the training questions three of the six questions on training recorded a worst result than the year before. Namely, the question “CFA provides enough training opportunities in formats, at times and at locations that make it easy for me to participate” which recorded the worst result with a VolWEL of 3.6 when compared to 3.4 from the year before.
The next worst result was “Most training is available and provided within a reasonable distance from my brigade” recording a VolWEL of 3.2 which compares to 3.0 from the year before.
These two results indicate that opportunity (quantum) and access to training remain the two areas requiring the most support, and are mostly within the remit of District training departments.
On a positive note, the question “CFA provides good leadership training for volunteers in people management, brigade management, conflict resolution and mentoring” recorded a VolWEL of 2.7, which was an improvement of 0.1 from the year before. The related question from the ‘Support from CFA’ theme – “Volunteer leaders in my brigade are effectively supported and empowered to manage my brigade and undertake their roles” scoring a VolWEL of 1.6.
This is likely a reflection of the increased availability and expansion of the Captains Peer Mentor Program, the Women in Leadership Mentoring program and the reintroduction of the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management scholarships. Given all these programs are expected to increase capacity over the next 12 months, and with the reintroduction of the highly regarded Fireline Leadership program commencing shortly, we are hopeful of seeing continued improvement in this measure.
Interestingly the question “CFA’s training expectations of me are fair and reasonable for the roles that I perform” remained unchanged with a VolWEL of 2.0. Given the proposed changes and increased requirements being pursued as part of CFA’s review of Driver training, it will be interesting to watch this metric over the coming years.
In the ‘Cooperation Across CFA’ theme, three of the four questions saw an improvement. However, these gains were wiped out by a jump in dissatisfaction on the question “Volunteers are effectively consulted and involved in decision making at CFA Corporate (headquarters) level.” This question recorded the equal worst result in the survey, scoring a 3.6 which is a 0.2 deterioration from the year before.
While the qualitative analysis is still underway, there are a couple of trends which really jump out when digging deeper into what is going on in this question.
While it appears volunteers have welcomed the increased opportunities to provide feedback to policy discussions, there is a very strong feeling and perception that they feel their feedback is either ignored or just paid lip service. This goes to the heart of whether consultation is genuine or not and resonates very strongly with my observation that volunteers not only expect to be asked what they think, but they also expect decision makers to respond and act on their feedback, demonstrating how it has been used to affect the decision being made.
Over the past year I have had the misfortune of attending several workshops and forums arranged by CFA to gather feedback on a couple of projects that will have significant impacts on volunteers.
To see information nights dressed up as consultation and engagement sessions was frustrating to say the least, not just to me but the other participants also. Death by PowerPoint and simply informing volunteers on what has already been decided is not consultation, and the fact that this metric has gone backwards is a warning sign that volunteers are seeing straight through disingenuous opportunities and puts HQ on notice that volunteers are extremely worried about what they are seeing.
The ‘Respect and Professionalism’ theme was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the question “I respect and appreciate the effort made by CFA to support me as a volunteer” went backwards – recording a VolWEL of 2.4 compared to 2.3 the year before. Reading through the comments, this appears to be mostly driven by perceived budget cuts, and lack of investment by government into the service.
However, on a positive note, the question “In general, CFA staff accept and recognise the professionalism of volunteers” recorded an improvement of 0.2 with a VolWEL of 2.0 which is a very positive sign that the pivot to a stronger and more supportive volunteer culture is starting to be felt across the membership.
Yet again, the areas where decision making is closest to the brigade level as possible recorded by far the best results.
The three best performing metrics within the ‘People Management: My Brigade’ theme are all areas where volunteers have been empowered to make their own decisions. “The environment at my brigade is volunteer-friendly, welcoming to new members and creates good morale” scored a VolWEL of 1.1 indicating high levels of satisfaction. The questions “Workplace bullying is not tolerated in brigades of which I have been a member” and “Volunteers are effectively consulted and involved in decision making at my brigade level” both achieved a VolWEL of 1.3.
In the Recruitment and Retention theme, five of the seven questions recorded an improvement. Yet again, the two best performing areas of the entire survey were the questions “There are no barriers to the roles women can occupy in my brigade” and “People from all cultural backgrounds, different religions, political and personal beliefs are all made welcome at my brigade” scoring 0.7 and 0.6 respectively. Both of these improved over the year before with the cultural background question improving by 0.2 and the no barriers to the roles women can occupy improving by 0.1.
Worrying however were the two questions on youth. The question “My brigade is successful in recruiting younger people as volunteers” scored 2.6 as did the question “My brigade is successful in retaining younger people as volunteers” also recording a VolWEL of 2.6.
Pleasingly, access to administrative support from CFA recorded an improvement, with a VolWEL of 1.6 which is a 0.1 improvement from the year before.
All up, I see a lot of consistency in the survey results with the areas that volunteers tell us are working well, and those areas they feel things are not going well. And while the results are always interesting, the question you should really be asking is so what is being done to drive improvement?
I’m glad you asked, as that is why it is so important for you to participate in the survey each year. We continue to strongly urge and encourage the CFA executive to support new initiatives that are designed specifically to meet a need identified by volunteers through the annual survey and help to drive improvements.
My wish is that far more programs will be created and supported that look to fill a need, rather than solve what I sometimes describe as the imaginary problems identified or prioritised through red tape and the bureaucracy of government and regulators.
The more programs and initiatives that are designed and funded that seek to address the very real and lived experience of volunteers - the closer CFA will come to truly being a volunteer organisation of choice.
The only way to cauterise the declining numbers of volunteers is to accept the fact that by running a volunteer organisation, you actually need to design your policies, procedures, and culture to actually appeal to volunteers and making them feel respected, valued and happy and making a place they actually want to spend time in. In others words – meeting the commitments under the Volunteer Charter, and honouring the statutory requirements under Section 6 of the CFA Act.
Who would have thought eh.
Vale
VFBV were saddened to learn of the passing of VFBV District 22 Council President Leonard Balfour in August.
Leonard held the role of VFBV District 22 Council President from August 2016 until his passing and was also heavily involved in Urban Championships across the state. He was a member of the Mooroopna brigade for more than 35 years after initially joining as a junior member and held many roles in the brigade including Junior Leader, Competition Team Coach, VFBV delegate and Lieutenant.
On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Leonard’s family, friends, loved ones, the Mooroopna brigade and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Prize winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024/25 VFBV Affiliation Prize Draw!
Thank you to all Brigades/Groups who paid their 2024/25 affiliations prior to 30 June this year and qualified for the early payment prize draw.
The winners and their selected prizes are:
1st prize - Meering West FB (D20) - G-Force Nozzle with Quick connect coupling and Gated Wye with Storz inlet and quick connect outlets
2nd prize - Hardies Hill FB (D15) -5 x Helmet Torches and carry case
3rd prize - Yarck FB (D12) - Root Soaker and Bag
4th prize - Tallangatta Group (D24) - TFT Break apart Nozzle
A big thank you to GAAM Emergency Products and Powdersafe for once again donating these great prizes.
Remember, by affiliating, you are making a vital contribution to the important work we do on behalf of all CFA volunteers. Advocacy, support, research and the provision of trusted and credible advice are all strengthened when volunteers work together and stand united as one.
If you are not sure whether your Brigade or Group’s VFBV or Welfare Fund subscriptions are up to date, please contact your secretary urgently, as we encourage all those who have not yet affiliated to do so as soon as possible. For any enquiries, contact your VFBV Support Officer, State Councillor or call us at the office on 9886 1141.
Urban Skills Workshop
The Urban Competition and Rules Committee is holding a skills workshop prior to the commencement of the 2024/25 competition season on Saturday 5 October at the Melton competition track at the Melton Recreation Reserve.
On the day, workshops will be conducted and facilitated by experienced judges, officials and competitors.
The skills workshops are targeted at both current and prospective judges, officials, coaches and competitors who wish to gain new skills and knowledge or build upon existing skills.
The coach and competitor workshops will cover the use of tray in reel events, rolling on, competitor safety, appliance, Marshall and junior events. While the judge and official workshops will cover all judge roles, including but not limited to judge in the box, announcers, on track judging, starting, and recording.
Committee members will also be on hand to conduct equipment checks prior to the start of the competition season so brigades are encouraged to bring along their competition equipment to ensure that it is ready to go for the upcoming competition season.
If you are interested in attending the skills workshop, please RSVP to the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9886 1141 by Monday 23rd September.
Volunteer Compensation
VFBV is continuing to monitor arrangements under CFA’s Volunteer Compensation Scheme in light of recent cases that have exposed significant concerns in how some cases are being managed by CFA.
VFBV will continue to monitor and advocate for changes to ensure volunteer confidence in the scheme is restored.
Thank you to all those brigades who have been in touch to ask what they can do to support this advocacy, and thereby ensure all injured volunteers are treated with respect, compassion and above all, protection of their entitlements to ensure they may recover from their injury without the worry and stress of navigating red tape and bureaucracy.
We will continue to report on progress.
Presumptive Legislation Update
The Queensland Government is the latest State Government to update its firefighter presumptive legislation scheme to provide presumptive protection to firefighters who suffer from cancers that have been scientifically demonstrated as likely to be a result of their firefighting service.
Queensland has not only added the remaining cancers introduced by recent changes by the Commonwealth but have also picked up each of the cancers covered by the other states and territories.
This makes the Queensland scheme the strongest in Australia, covering 22 cancers, as well as providing presumption for PTSD and asbestos related diseases.
Victoria continues to lag behind, with its scheme covering 15 cancers and no presumption for PTSD or asbestos related diseases.
Victoria is now behind the Commonwealth, ACT, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia, while the Northern Territory covers 15 cancers, but also has presumptive coverage for PTSD and asbestos related diseases.
All Australian volunteer associations are collectively advocating for harmonisation to ensure no matter where a firefighter lives, they are provided equal coverage.
Joint Committee EOI
Our expressions of interest process will open shortly for volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Committee’s for the 2025 calendar year.
If you feel you can contribute and have the time, are passionate about one of the eight streams and want to be an integral part of our Joint Committee process – then please visit our website or talk to your local VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer for a nomination form.
Nominations are due 25th November 2024.
We are seeking volunteers from broad and diverse backgrounds to participate in our consultative structures. Young members, women and members of culturally diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to nominate. If you would like to learn more about what the role entails and how to get involved, please contact your local VFBV Support Officer, State Councillor or Executive Officer Mark Dryden.
SOP Feedback
CFA has recently released another 17 revised SOP’s for volunteer feedback and consultation. At the time of press, we are currently undertaking a log of changes and will prepare SOP feedback surveys once we have completed our analysis of changes. These will be uploaded to the VFBV website shortly.
Given the importance of SOP’s in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
Quarterly Supplement
Included with the September 2024 edition of Fire Wise is the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates, information on current issues being pursued by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes additional resources or updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
AGM
This year’s AGM will be held on Sunday 6th October, following State Council.
Please refer to page 2 of this month’s VFBV Quarterly Supplement for details.
Please update records with Fire Wise
Newly elected Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigades Secretaries are asked to update their physical and email addresses with Fire Wise as soon as possible so future editions, both printed and electronic, can be forwarded to the correct person, at the correct address.
If the September edition of Fire Wise has gone to previous officers please advise by email or telephone of the name, physical and email address details of the new officer in your place so our database can be updated.
Existing Group Officers, Group Secretaries, Brigade Captains and Brigade Secretaries are requested to provide their email address, if they haven’t already done so, to enable future electronic editions to be forwarded.
VFBV District Presidents, District Secretaries and State Councillors, as well as all brigade and individual subscribers, are requested to send their email address if not already receiving digital editions.
Please include the Group or Brigade you belong to and the office held, and forward this information to Fire Wise by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone on 0402 051 412.
A complimentary copy of Fire Wise, courtesy of VFBV, is sent to each of these officers monthly.
Eight editions per annum are electronic (January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November) and the other four (March, June, September and December) are printed. The printed editions include the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
Your email addresses will only be used to forward electronic editions. Your assistance is appreciated in helping us get Fire Wise to the intended people in the quickest amount of time.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
2025 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
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2025 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
Written by VFBV
VFBV are seeking expressions of interest from members to be Joint Committee District Nominees for the 2024 VFBV/CFA Joint Committees.
Volunteers who are interested in being part of the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees are encouraged to submit your expression of interest to your local District Council for endorsement by Monday 11th November 2024.
VFBV/CFA Joint Committees are a critical part of the consultative framework, offering a direct line of communication and consultation between volunteers and the state-level decision makers within the CFA.
If you feel you have a passion for one of the eight joint committees and have the time to contribute please contact your local District Council or local VFBV Support Officer to submit your nomination (nomination form available for download at the bottom of the page). In particular, VFBV is seeking greater diversity across our structures and highly encourages nominations across the entire broad and diverse membership.
The eight Joint Committees are:
| Community Safety | Enhancing services for brigades to improve community preparedness, recovery, and resilience in the prevention of fires. |
| Equipment and Infrastructure | Working closely with the infrastructure services and fleet management team at CFA to improve equipment, stations, and appliances. |
|
Member Services |
Consultation with CFA to improve volunteer recruitment, retention, youth, cadets, events, championships and fundraising. |
| Operational Capability | Building brigade/group capability, addressing gaps in service delivery, personal protective clothing and equipment and specialist response. |
|
Operational Performance |
Policy, doctrine and standards to ensure continuous improvement including service delivery standards, safe operating procedures and lessons learned. |
|
People, Culture and Safety |
Improving the welfare and safety of members by improving HR and welfare services and ensuring CFA is a safe place to volunteer. |
|
Technology and Innovation |
Working to improve member access to the best innovations in equipment, communication and technology, mapping and communications. |
| Training | Continuous review and improvement to course design, delivery and access to volunteer training and training equipment. |
As committees need to be of a reasonable size district nominees are appointed to the committees via an expression of interest process and are approved annually by State Council.
The Joint Committee structure allows for selected district nominees to join State Councillors to be a part of planning for the future, developing strategies and raising issues that have been raised by the wider VFBV membership across all Districts.
District Councils are asked to seek expressions of interest from members who wish to participate in the Joint Committees and discuss with them a few key considerations:
- A requirement to attend a minimum of four (4) meetings per year at CFA HQ in Burwood (or virtually as required), usually held on a Saturday or Sunday.
- Relevant subject matter expertise and the ability to actively contribute to the Committees work with a State-wide view of issues.
- A network outside of their own brigade which allow them to communicate views that are not just their own.
- Willingness to report back to District Council and engage with members.
District Council Endorsement Process
District Council Executives have been requested to review all district nominations and provide a recommendation and priority order prior to submission to the VFBV Executive Officer.
District Councils have been encouraged to have nominations returned to them by Monday 11th November 2024, to allow time for the District Council prioritisation process prior to submission to the VFBV Executive Officer by Monday 25th November 2024.
With District Councils encouraged to wait until all nominations are received before ranking nominations in priority order and submitting all nominations in one batch to the VFBV Executive Officer.
All nominees must be endorsed by their local VFBV District Council.
Questions?
Contact your local VFBV Support Officer or State Councillors to find out more about the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees.
Proposed 2025 Joint Committee Meeting Dates
(These have not yet been endorsed, and are subject to change)
| Round One Meetings | Saturday 1st March 2025 Sunday 2nd March 2025 Saturday 5th April 2025 Sunday 6th April 2025 |
| Round Two Meetings | Saturday 28th June 2025 Sunday 29th June 2025 Saturday 5th July 2025 Sunday 6th July 2025 |
| Round Three Meetings | Saturday 23rd August 2025 Sunday 24th August 2025 Saturday 30th August 2025 Sunday 31st August 2025 |
| Round Four Meetings | Saturday 22nd November 2025 Sunday 23rd November 2025 Saturday 29th November 2025 Sunday 30th November 2025 |
Sickening decision
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair...”
And while the opening quote requires no introduction, Dickens’ use of anaphora (repeated words) in his opening lines of The Tale of Two Cities, is a good backdrop to my description of our relationship with CFA as eternally optimistic...but complicated at times.
I spoke last month about the strength of VFBV’s relationship with CFA being due to our commitment to working cooperatively together wherever we can, but disagreeing where me must.
And while VFBV works incredibly hard to have these disagreements behind closed doors, there comes a time when those efforts are unsuccessful and require us to engage more publicly. This is one of those times.
Recently, Supreme Court judge The Hon. Richards handed down her findings against the CFA who had terminated a volunteer firefighter’s compensation for PTSD.
The volunteer joined CFA at the age of 19 and served as an active first responder for 24 years. His brigade was a busy structural brigade and was also an accredited road accident rescue brigade, where he attended countless incidents ranging from house fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazmat incidents and bushfires during his time with CFA.
Over time, he started to suffer from depression and anxiety and originally brushed it off to other life events. When things started to get worse, he sought treatment from his general practitioner and psychologist. He was then referred to a psychiatrist who, in 2018, diagnosed him to be suffering from major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the psychiatrist’s view, the PTSD was directly related to his service with the CFA, and the repeated trauma he had been exposed to.
When he made a claim under CFA’s volunteer compensations scheme, CFA arranged for him to be assessed by their own independent psychiatrist, who confirmed the original diagnosis of PTSD with delayed onset and confirmed that his service to CFA as a volunteer firefighter was the significant contributing factor to his condition of PTSD.
Following this report, CFA accepted the claim, and commenced payments for ongoing reasonable medical expenses and weekly payments for replacement labour.
Between 2019 and 2022 two more psychiatrists confirmed the diagnosis, with one of these appointed and instructed by CFA to perform another independent medical examination.
Then in 2023, CFA went to yet another psychiatrist and asked the volunteer to again submit to another examination. This time, CFA chose to seek the opinion of Associate Professor Doherty, who provided a controversial opinion after a single consultation that not only did the volunteer not suffer from PTSD, but that it was impossible because there was no such thing as ‘delayed onset PTSD’ and in his view PTSD cannot by definition occur where the traumatisation of symptoms are not present within the first six months.
This was completely at odds with all the other psychiatrists, yet based on this single report, CFA then proceeded to write to the volunteer advising they “preferred A/Prof Doherty’s opinion” over all others and advised they would be terminating his entitlements.
The volunteer responded to this proposal, and undertook yet another independent medical examination, who was now the fifth psychiatrist (sixth if you count the original psychologist) who confirmed the diagnosis of PTSD, and that it was caused by his CFA service. This psychiatrist rebuffed A/Prof Doherty’s view and opined that most patients who end up with PTSD are not acutely unwell in the immediate aftermath, and that a gradual build up is typical.
Following receipt of this report and choosing not to engage with any of the five previous psychiatrists who had all diagnosed PTSD, CFA again wrote to the volunteer advising they still preferred A/Prof Doherty’s opinion and terminated his compensation.
The volunteer argued in court that it was unreasonable for CFA to ‘cherry pick’ the medical evidence. CFA denied the suggestion that it had cherry-picked.
The Court, when examining this chain of events, was scathing of CFA, with the Judge determining:
“The CFA’s decision to terminate [the volunteer’s] entitlements to compensation was legally unreasonable. As the sole arbiter of the merits of [the volunteer’s] claim, it changed its mind about his entitlement to compensation on the basis of a single medical opinion that was contrary to all of the opinions it had previously accepted. It did so without engaging with the reason why A/Prof Doherty held a different opinion, and without considering whether it should accept the premise of his opinion. The CFA’s reasons for decision disclosed no intelligible foundation for preferring A/Prof Doherty’s opinion and its underlying premise.”
In response to CFA’s defence and explanation the judge said in her summary:
“With respect, this explanation entirely missed the point of difference between A/Prof Doherty’s and all the other experts. A/Prof Doherty’s departure from the previous opinions was not due to a different or more thorough assessment of [the volunteer’s] medical history and clinical records. It was because of his asserted premise that there is no such condition as delayed onset (or delayed expression) PTSD…”
Her Honor found that CFA’s determination to terminate the volunteer’s entitlement to compensation was legally unreasonable, and warned:
“Another dimension of the unreasonableness of the CFA’s decision arises from the fact that the CFA administers the compensation scheme for the benefit of all volunteers, and to support the viability of the CFA as a volunteer fire service. It is a significant matter for the administration of the scheme for the CFA to deny liability for compensation for delayed onset PTSD, on a basis that may not reflect the general consensus of psychiatric opinion. If the CFA takes a consistent approach in other similar cases, its unquestioning acceptance of A/Prof Doherty’s opinion that there is no diagnosable and recognised condition of delayed onset PTSD may have consequences for the ongoing capacity of the CFA to provide fire services in country Victoria.”
Her Honour then made an order setting aside CFA’s decision.
My reaction to this sordid tale is likely very similar to many of yours. I was angry, disgusted and then ultimately left with a feeling of deep disappointment that we could find ourselves here in 2024. What governance failures have occurred that has allowed an organisation established by Parliament to support a volunteer emergency service, to stray so far away from what is a pretty basic responsibility to look after those of us who get injured?
Each volunteer who I have observed hearing this story, I have seen the blood drain from their faces as they shake their head as the full consequences become evident. In my view this is a CFA home goal, and this incident will send a shiver down the spine of every CFA volunteer, who will now have a question mark in their head as to if they were to suffer a similar fate, would they also be left unprotected and abandoned at their time of greatest need?
A service that relies on people to put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect others cannot operate without confidence that it will look after any members who get hurt in the process. It pains me to say that CFA’s behaviour in this instance was egregious.
The CFA volunteer compensation scheme was hard fought for by the volunteer associations and embedded into the Country Fire Authority Act to ensure volunteers would never receive any less protection than their paid counterparts who are covered by WorkSafe. It was also intended to be designed specifically to cater to volunteers unique circumstances. It is therefore sacrosanct to VFBV, and any attack on volunteers’ rights and protections must be met head on.
VFBV has demanded that CFA issue an apology to the volunteer, and immediately reinstate his compensation and support. We have also requested CFA undertake a review of CFA’s volunteer compensation operating model and related processes to ensure current arrangements are adequate and meet our expectations. We must look at what decisions have been delegated to middle management, and what checks and balances are in place to safeguard against such bias creeping into decision making.
In an effort to ensure something like this can never happen again, VFBV is demanding the introduction of independent medical panels to deal with controversial or outlier medical views and other decisions.
We have also advised CFA that we intend on pursuing a review of the CFA Regulations, including exploring appeal mechanisms to ensure a volunteer does not have to go all the way to the Supreme Court just to overturn what is blatantly a miscarriage of justice. Members would recall we have previously called for a Volunteer Ombudsman.
No volunteer can have any doubt that their ability to provide for themselves and their families can ever be in question should they be hurt on the fireground.
This whole episode starts to sound remarkably like the fight we had to have to get fire services to recognise the link between firefighting and cancer. Proving PTSD is not like proving a broken arm or broken leg. The sectors’ knowledge and understanding of PTSD is still evolving.
VFBV has renewed its call for presumptive legislation for PTSD. The Commonwealth, the ACT, NT, QLD and Tasmania have already added PTSD to their presumptive schemes for emergency service workers, and VFBV has been calling on the Victorian Government to do the same.
It saddens me to no end that a brave sick volunteer not only had to battle their illness contracted by their CFA service, but at the same time then had to fight the very same organisation just for a fair go. He deserved better, and so does each and every other CFA volunteer in the state. Our pursuit of presumptive rights does not let CFA off the hook.
As at writing; CFA is in the process of reinstating the volunteer’s entitlements; have agreed to a review; and has provided in principle support for medical panels.
VFBV will not rest until these issues have been resolved to our satisfaction, and we call on all volunteers to support us in our pursuit of fair and reasonable arrangements that prioritise a volunteer’s health and wellbeing above all else and ensure that our compensation arrangements not only meet the expectations of the membership, but sufficiently serve the legislations intent of providing an organisational arrangement designed to encourage, maintain and strengthen the capacity of volunteers to provide CFA services.
A genuine relationship that is honest requires transparency, and it is important to the broader membership that we make you aware of our efforts in trying to right the various wrongs that get reported to us from time to time, while also maintaining constructive relationships to best influence how these matters are resolved.
To this end, we will keep you updated of our progress, but fear not – we will remain frank and fearless and will not rest until these matters are resolved.
Volunteer engagement survey
All volunteers are encouraged to complete the Volunteer engagement and communication survey that is currently available on the Engage Victoria website.
This survey is an opportunity for you to provide feedback direct to the Victorian Government about what information you receive, and your expectations of what opportunities are provided to volunteers and their representative bodies to consult with the Victorian Government on matters that affect them.
This is an opportunity for you to directly tell government the importance of the government engaging with those who represent you.
The survey will only take about 5 minutes, and is confidential with only deidentified results being reported. VFBV has reviewed the survey and encourages all CFA volunteers to complete it.
The survey is available on the Engage Victoria website and will close on 9 September 2024.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Delegates to VFBV State Council have raised concerns on behalf of member brigades worried about CFA’s decision to collect and store volunteer’s drivers licence numbers and expiry dates.
Following recent attention to data breaches involving Optus, Medibank and the cyber breach on FRV, members are understandably concerned and anxious about CFA’s storage of personal information that could be potentially used to commit identify fraud against them.
While VFBV was aware of CFA’s pursuit of exemptions under the National Heavy Vehicle Law which has resulted in CFA needing to record licence numbers of drivers of fatigue regulated vehicles (trucks 12T or over), we were somewhat taken by surprise at the Chief Officer’s insistence that he wanted every single driver to provide their licence details into CFA systems regardless of whether they drove a fatigue regulated vehicle or not.
VFBV has formally requested details on how this information is being collected, stored and protected, including what cyber security measures have been put in place to ensure this information is safe (encryption) and who has access to this information. We have also sought information on whether CFA has conducted an independent security audit on the system that is intended to store this information to reassure members about the systems privacy.
Travel reimbursement rate
CFA has agreed to a VFBV request for it to review its volunteer travel reimbursement rate, pointing out that the rate set by the Australian Taxation Office has changed twice since CFA revised its rate to $0.78 back in 2022.
The ATO set the rate to $0.88 effective 1 July 2024, and CFA has confirmed that effective immediately, it will be applying the $0.88 c/km rate to all volunteer travel reimbursement, and that all the various forms held by CFA were in the process of being updated.
VFBV welcomes this announcement and thanks CFA for its prompt attention to this matter.
Interim CEO
Deputy CFA Chair Tony Peake OAM announced that CFA Board had appointed Robyn Harris as CFA’s interim CEO while the Board conducts a search and appointment process for the ongoing CEO role. Robyn has been with CFA since November 2021.
VFBV warmly welcomes Robyn to the role and looks forward to working with her.
While Robyn is in the interim CEO role, her position of Group General Manager Strategic Services will be filled by Sam Costanzo, who will retain his duties as CFA’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Procurement Officer.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on 1 October 2024. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 2 September 2024.
Affiliation
Again in 2023/24, CFA Brigades and Groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united, independent and credible voice with almost 95% of Brigades demonstrating strong support for VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for all CFA volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year.
Brigade and Group secretaries have received the 2024/25 renewal notices for your Brigade/Groups’ VFBV Affiliation and Welfare Fund subscriptions with a due date of 30th June, 2024.
The Board is determined that brigades/groups should benefit from the strong governance of the association and have reduced the affiliation rate from $84 to $75.
We encourage Brigades to also subscribe to the VFBV Welfare Fund which is a capital fund and an exclusive benefit to affiliated members with VFBV funding all the administration and operating costs ensuring 100% of funds received go directly to CFA volunteers experiencing personal hardship. The VFBV Welfare Fund provides small grants up to $5,000 to assist volunteer members and long service ex members and has distributed more than $2.5 million dollars to volunteers in need since its inception.
SOP feedback
CFA has recently released another 17 revised SOPs for volunteer feedback and consultation. At time of press, we are currently undertaking a log of changes and will prepare SOP feedback surveys once we have completed our analysis of changes. These will be uploaded to the VFBV website shortly.
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
Fire Wise – August 2024 online only edition
The August 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Various)
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Further budget woes
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Last month I opined that we had very little clarity of CFA’s budget for the year ahead, due to it being buried within the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Shortly after our last newsletter went to print, the Government tabled answers to questions taken on notice through the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee that was held in Parliament on Friday 24 May, 2024.
These figures confirm that there is a further reduction to the CFA budget, with the estimated grant payment to CFA for the 2024/25 period set at $337.6 million. This is a reduction of $4million when compared to the 2023 grant, and you have to go back 15 years to find a CFA budget of similar size. This is despite the Government collecting $1.03 billion in levy, which includes a $186 million increase on households this year alone. Working backwards, and knowing the FSL may only contribute 77.5% of CFA’s funding, we can conclude CFA’s share of the FSL will be just $261.6m.
And while a $4 million cut may not sound like a lot to some, in an organisation already starved of funding, the impacts are brutal. Given VFBV has been pursuing numerous health and safety initiatives to further protect the health of all CFA volunteers, these initiatives will be difficult to achieve with further cuts to CFA’s budget.
And inequities abound.
For example, while FRV firefighters have all their uniforms, personal protective clothing, and laundry professionally cleaned and paid for by the taxpayer, CFA volunteers are still expected to take their putrid bushfire PPC home after an incident and wash it themselves. Sounds like a first world problem to some until you pause to think about the potential for cross contamination from all the carcinogenic toxins our PPC is frequently exposed to mixing in with the families’ washing machine.
And while I am outraged that this continues to be an issue in 2024, CFA continues to be put into this terrible position of trying to prioritise funding across critical areas, when frankly every spare cent is being ploughed into the fleet budget to try and keep CFA’s ageing fire trucks on the road. Confirmation has also been received noting that 474 CFA trucks are older than 26 years, with 230 more than 31 years old!
How then is the organisation expected to manage contemporary issues such as station upgrades to appeal to a more gender diverse membership, equipment maintenance, health and safety support, shortages of personal protective clothing, or replacement workwear or uniforms?
Let’s use workwear as an example. Putting aside that not every CFA volunteer was provided a set, with the gear having to be rationed out to fit the budget envelope - many do not realise that this was one-off funding, and there has been no government investment in providing workwear for new members, let alone the cost of replacing worn out or damaged gear. Despicably, volunteers are asked to buy it themselves when this occurs.
The same for CFA’s next generation bushfire PPC and the structural helmets issued a couple of years ago. Each of these represents an increased cost as while next generation materials provide superior protection, they are more expensive, yet the Government has only provided funding for the initial rollouts. There have been no increases to CFA’s base funding to support CFA with these increased ongoing costs, which means gear is again being rationed out by the Districts.
With no increases to budgets for five years in a row, these costs are having to be absorbed into existing budgets which are already stretched paper thin. Add a budget cut (or five) and you are left with a dystopian version of the hunger games playing out across the State.
My message to members is that VFBV will not stop calling out these hypocrisies and raising awareness about the dire nature of CFA’s funding, and we hope you do too. This is the only way that we can pressure government to provide CFA with its fair share of the funding collected by the fire service levy. At present, millions of dollars are being siphoned from residents living in CFA areas to cover the out of control costs of others.
The disparity is glaring. It costs the taxpayer $283,000 a year to run each of CFA’s 1,209 fire stations across Victoria, yet it costs the taxpayer $10.3 million a year to run each of FRV’s 85 fire stations. And rather than thank volunteers for their generous contribution by properly resourcing them – government would rather poke them in the eye and cut what little funding is already given.
Let’s also talk about the fact that CFA volunteers don’t make ambit claims. The issues VFBV is pursuing on behalf of volunteers are those supported by volunteers through our extensive District Council network and prioritised by volunteers. Our members ask us to seek cost efficient outcomes, knowing that every expense is borne by the taxpayer. CFA volunteers are doing their bit and can hold their heads high. By running Victoria’s most efficient fire service, you are freeing up vital funding that can be used for hospital beds, schools and other essential services. But that generosity is increasingly being abused. When we see waste, when we see spiralling costs and growing bureaucracies from others across the sector that are simply diluting the funding available to everyone else – we must all call it out.
While we will continue to pressure CFA about ensuring its internal spending and prioritisation is as efficient and fair as possible, don’t let Government MPs off the hook. They are ultimately responsible for CFA’s funding and their appalling record of five years of CFA cuts.
CFA is being backed into a corner and is being forced to ration and cut costs to meet an ever-decreasing budget. Rather than unleash on CFA because they happen to be the ones in front of you, please assist us by applying pressure to your local government MPs. Many of you don’t think it makes any difference, but history shows otherwise. Phone, write or meet with them. Ask them how much of the $186 million extra revenue they are collecting is going towards CFA.
DEPARTURE OF CFA CEO NATALIE MacDONALD
After describing the poor budget situation, I can’t say I was completely shocked to learn about CFA’s Chief Executive, Natalie MacDonald departing early.
How could anyone that cares for Victorian communities and the whole CFA family as much as any CFA leader does - not be impacted by the constant cost cutting, hypocrisy and financial mismanagement on display.
Given this will be the fifth year in a row of budget contractions for CFA, imagine how that makes a tough job even tougher.
To be fair, Natalie has advised that she is leaving for personal reasons, of which I understand and empathise completely. I suggest however, that these personal challenges may not have been so overwhelming if CFA was being properly supported by the whole of Government, and CFA was being treated fairly.
Following the appointment of a new CFA Chair just last month, I know many volunteers are fearful we are seeing the return of the great instability in senior officers and the loss of corporate memory like we saw during the start of this government’s fire service reform journey. And while I share these concerns, there are some differences.
We have had three to four years of relative leadership stability, which while historically this is not very long, it is significantly better than the six CEO’s we saw cycle through the organisation in as few years during the height of reform.
I also wish to acknowledge the strong foundations and legacy that Natalie will leave behind.
I have enjoyed a close and constructive working relationship with Natalie since her appointment to the role, and can attest to her passion, intelligence and drive to further CFA’s mission. I can similarly attest to the empathy and integrity she has demonstrated while going about it, especially at times under very trying circumstances. Her loyalty has always been to CFA and the communities in which we all serve.
There have certainly been difficult decisions needing to be made. Decisions that perhaps she didn’t agree, and probably a few she looks back in hindsight and regrets. But among those are plenty of decisions and initiatives which I think have changed CFA for the better.
CFA has firmly pivoted to embracing and celebrating the fact that it is a volunteer and community embedded fire service. Natalie has led and supported key initiatives that embed the volunteer charter and its section 6 obligations into the DNA of the organisation. And while its implementation is far from perfect, nor complete - genuine change takes time.
We have stronger CFA/VFBV joint committees, stronger processes to navigate what is increasingly often broad and disparate volunteer feedback, and we have built a trust and respect that honours and respects the unique role each organisation plays. Under Natalie’s leadership CFA and VFBV have reaffirmed that we are committed to working constructively together, disagreeing when we must – but always committed to listening and considering the needs of our volunteers.
In this sense, I will feel a real loss and sadness when Natalie finishes up at the end of this month. With the passage of time and reflection I hope she shares my pride in her legacy and the solid foundations she has set for the next person taking the baton. Natalie has also confirmed she intends on continuing as a CFA volunteer with her local brigade.
As I tell every CEO, they are merely a temporary custodian of an iconic organisation that breathes, bleeds and effects all who toil within, whether that’s for a day, a year, a decade, or even a lifetime. I know CFA touched Natalie, and I would like to think it was also touched by her. And while I’ll quietly admit that she could at times be a force to be reckoned with, I don’t mind admitting I enjoyed almost every minute of it.
Thank-you Natalie for your outstanding stewardship of CFA, and the respect you have always shown towards our members and towards VFBV. We sincerely thank you for your efforts and the improvements you have made.
We will miss you at the helm but look forward to your continued journey as a fellow CFA volunteer which is the ultimate sign of respect you could choose to bestow on the organisation and the communities it protects.
Well done, bon voyage and don’t put those yellows too far out of reach….summer is coming.
VALE
VFBV were saddened to learn of the passing of Association Life Member Graeme Dare in late May.
Graeme was a member of the Colac brigade for more than 50 years and served as an Executive Member to the Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association from 1984 until 2007 representing then Region 6. For his service to the Association Graeme was awarded Association Life Membership in 1994 and a Gold Star Award.
On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Graeme’s family, friends, loved ones, the Colac brigade and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Group FCVs
VFBV delegates on the Joint Equipment and Infrastructure Committee have worked tirelessly over a number of years to demonstrate to CFA the shortfall in annual Group allowances to cover the realistic cost of the annual servicing and maintenance of forward command vehicles (FCVs).
Given the critically important role these vehicles play and acknowledging that Groups are quite limited in the amount and type of fundraising that they can do so as not to impact on their brigade’s own efforts, VFBV has been arguing for an increase to Group allowances to cover the full cost of FCV servicing.
As of the 1 July, CFA has agreed to move all Group FCVs onto the centralised Fleet plan, which will mean all servicing (as per manufacturers servicing schedule), tyre and battery replacements will now be billed directly to CFA. Groups may also continue to use their local service providers, ensuring you can still support your local community.
This is an outstanding result, and VFBV thanks all delegates for their efforts. We also acknowledge and thank CFA for considering this request, acknowledging that current CFA budgets make initiatives such as this very difficult.
New windscreen stickers are being distributed to Groups, along with correspondence requesting Groups make contact with their nominated service providers to make them aware of the central billing arrangement.
King’s Birthday Honours
VFBV congratulates CFA members Stephen Hicks from Pakenham Upper brigade and Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson who received the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) among 730 Australian’s honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list this year.
Deputy Group Officer Stephen Hicks AFSM has been a member of CFA for more than 49 years. He has been recognised for his outstanding service to CFA as a leader, trainer and mentor and for his efforts and achievements in fire preparedness, fire prevention and fire response.
Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson AFSM began his service to CFA as a junior member at Bayswater and progressed through the volunteer ranks before joining CFA as a recruit firefighter. Gavin has been recognised for his commitment above and beyond what is normally expected of fire service personnel as well as his efforts in developing those around him to enhance the capacity of CFA and CFA volunteers.
VFBV congratulates Stephen and Gavin for their outstanding contribution to CFA and broader community.
Congratulations are also extended to the current and former members of CFA who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and to James Mullins who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant contribution to firefighting.
Affiliation
Again in 2023/24, CFA Brigades and Groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united, independent and credible voice with almost 95% of Brigades demonstrating strong support for VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for all CFA volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups that affiliated last year.
Brigade and Group secretaries have received the 2024/25 renewal notices for VFBV Affiliation and Welfare Fund subscriptions with a due date of 30 June, 2024.
The Board is determined that brigades/groups should benefit from the strong governance of the association and have reduced the affiliation rate from $84 to $75.
We strongly encourage Brigades to also subscribe to the VFBV Welfare Fund. The Welfare Fund is a capital fund and an exclusive benefit to affiliated members with VFBV funding all the administration and operating costs ensuring 100% of funds received go directly to CFA volunteers experiencing personal hardship.
The VFBV Welfare Fund provides small grants up to $5,000 to assist volunteer members and long service ex members. The Welfare Fund has distributed more than $2.5 million dollars to volunteers in need since its inception.
VFBV Board
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on 1 October 2024. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 2 September 2024.
SOP feedback
CFA has recently released another 17 revised SOP’s for volunteer feedback and consultation. At time of press, we are currently undertaking a log of changes and will prepare SOP feedback surveys once we have completed our analysis of changes. These will be uploaded to the VFBV website shortly.
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
The following revised SOP’s are shortly due to close for feedback; SOP 3.01 Management of Junior Members; 5.05 Use of CFA Equipment; 7.01 Local Procedure Development; 7.05 Water Supplies for Firefighting; 7.07 Station Siren Use; 8.01 Incident Controller and CFA Agency Commander; 8.04 Transfer of Control; 9.13 Keeping Logs and Documents; 9.16 Media Management; and 9.18 Use of Personal Mobile Devices During Incidents.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
Fire Wise – July 2024 online only edition
The July 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Consultation Dashboard
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Various)
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Two CFA members have been honoured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List with the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) alongside more than 730 other Australians.
Stephen Hicks AFSM – Stephen has been a CFA member for more than 49 years and is a current member of the Pakenham Upper Fire Brigade. During his service, Stephen has held many roles including Captain, Lieutenant Deputy Group Officer. Stephen has been recognised for his outstanding service to CFA as a leader, trainer and mentor and for his efforts and achievements in fire preparedness, fire prevention and fire response. You can read more about Stephen here.
Gavin Thompson AFSM – Gavin began his service with CFA more than 30 years ago as a junior member at Bayswater before transferring to the Boronia brigade where he became a firefighter and rising through the ranks to 1st Lieutenant before joining CFA as a recruit firefighter. Now serving as Deputy Chief Officer – North West Region, Gavin has been recognised for his commitment above and beyond what is normally expected of fire service personnel as well as his effort in developing those around him to enhance the capacity of CFA. You can read more about Gavin here.
VFBV extends its sincere congratulations to both Stephen and Gavin for this worthy recognition of their service to CFA and wider Victorian community.
VFBV also congratulates five additional Victorian’s who were honoured with the Australian Fire Service Medal from other Victorian fire services: Nigel Brennan (FFMV), Chris Hardman (FFMV), Gregory Keighery (FRV) and Cory Woodyatt (FRV). As well as former Northern Territory firefighter and current Swan Hill Fire Brigade member Geoffrey Kenna was also honoured with an AFSM for his leadership as volunteer in the Northern Territory over 27 years.
A number of other past and present CFA members were also honoured on the King’s Birthday. Dr James Mullins from Grovedale was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), while Wilhelmina Armstrong, Eric Bumpstead, Phillip Collins, Robert Dean, Michael McLaughlin, Karen Noonan, Bernard Sinnott and Dianne Spark were each awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Nominations for AFSM's
Nominations for AFSM's are accepted at any time through CFA's Honours and Awards Committee.
The AFSM honours the distinguished service of members of fire services who make an exceptionable contribution to their communities. The AFSM recognises those whose service is above and beyond the normal zealous and faithful discharge of normal or ordinary service, either in the short or long term.
CFA volunteers are often modest and reluctant to seek out recognition for the service they have provided to their community and may not have a realistic appreciation of the impact they have had on CFA, their community, within VFBV or your Brigade or Group. They’re not in it for the honour or glory, but it’s up to each of us to ensure we take the time to say ‘thank-you’ to those people who have stepped up and help inspire us all to do better.
If you know a quiet achiever who has contributed to CFA, who goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of someone in a similar position, please consider nominating them for an AFSM.
The Australian Honours system has been designed to break down artificial barriers and open the Australian Honours to all parts of our society. Any member of the community can nominate any other Australian citizen for an award.
It is also critically important we encourage nominations for groups who are typically under-represented in Australian Honours like the AFSM. In particular we are encouraging a greater gender mix.
Women in particular are under-represented in AFSM’s awarded when we consider the thousands of women within the fire services across the country. And while things are improving, much more can be done.
There are so many exceptional CFA women and men deserving to be recognised, so please consider nominating someone you feel is deserving.
A common misconception is that only those members who have decades worth of service are recognised by the Honours system. The AFSM is not a long-service award, its sole criterion is distinguished service. And while prolonged service forms part of the key criteria, ‘prolonged’ is considered by the honour and awards committee’s to be taken in context as to what is considered ‘longer than usual’ and in context of what is ‘above and beyond’ the normal or ordinary service expected. Exceptional service that is sustained over a period of time can be considered as satisfying the criteria. For example, has the members contribution been in excess of expectations for a ‘normal’ member and over what duration? The Committee will consider the nature of the service or achievement within the context of a member’s service history when weighing up the various criteria.
This is especially important for women within CFA who may have their service overlooked simply because they haven’t been a Captain or Group Officer for 30+ years. While these are important leadership roles – our service is a team environment, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Nothing should take away from the incredible achievement decade long service is, but the Honours system is designed to recognise those that make a significant contribution, and to represent the things that our communities believe to be deserving of recognition, including from those who are perhaps trailblazers for others to follow. Think of those people who have pushed the boundaries or have been first to reach and hold leadership positions that has been inspirational to those around them. For example, think of members who have overcome additional barriers, like English not being their first language and who have toiled away to learn the language and become masterful communicators designing new innovative community safety engagements to CALD communities and serving as a role model for other community members. Who are the people you look up to? Who are the people who have really made a difference in your Brigade or Group?
Distinguished service includes service that is above and beyond and can be short-term or prolonged. It is service that can be exemplified by; responsibility for an outstanding event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service or community; development of a new system, procedure or technique that is unique and made a significant contribution to the fire service; or outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth within the fire services.
While it can seem daunting to nominate a potential recipient, some guiding principles that could assist in completing a nomination for an AFSM are:
- In what role(s) has the nominee excelled?
- How has the nominee demonstrated service worthy of recognition?
- How has the nominee’s contribution affected a particular field, locality, brigade, group or community at large?
- Over what period has the nominee made a major commitment?
- Has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?
- What makes this person stand out from others?
- What specific examples can be provided to show how the nominee’s contribution(s) have been outstanding?
Nominations for awards are strictly confidential. The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of the confidential nomination at any stage of the process.
Additional Resources to Assist
Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
Want to discuss a potential nomination or need some more information? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the Australian Fire Service Medal
Introduced in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal recognised distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to both volunteer and paid members. The award recognised the distinguished service by members of a State or Territory Fire Service, a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the Fire Services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Island) and Norfolk Island.
The medal is awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day award and King's Birthday award announcements.
Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal
To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has given service beyond the norm exemplified by:
- Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance in a particular area that has proved significant benefit to the fire service; and one or more of the following.
- Responsibility for and management of an outstanding/exceptional event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Development of a new system, or procedure, or technique that is unique and has made a significant contribution to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth, within the fire service and the fostering and furthering of the aims of the fire service to the long-term benefit of the fire service and the community.
- Demonstrated creativity in the development and implementation of innovative changes that have made a significant contribution to the fire service, fire/emergency operations, or the interests of community safety.
