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Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) CEO Andrew Ford has welcomed today’s Liberal Nationals commitment to immediately introduce stand-alone presumptive legislation that does not discriminate between paid and volunteer firefighters and called on all sides of politics to commit to the same.

“Sadly, Victoria is the only Australian State that does not provide presumptive rights to firefighters if they are impacted by one of the cancers recognized as being linked with their work,” Mr. Ford said.

“Today’s commitment from the Liberal National opposition to right this wrong is very, very welcome.”

“VFBV has been advocating for this specific outcome since before the 2014 State Election and have consistently argued that the health and safety of our firefighters should be a priority, above politics.”

“We congratulate Matthew Guy for his commitment to urgently protect all firefighters equally and we call on every other political leader to immediately make the same public pledge.”

“More than three years after the last election promise, presumptive cancer legislation was introduced to Parliament at Easter this year, but it didn’t pass for two important reasons.”

“Firstly, the Bill treated volunteer and paid firefighters differently and set conditions for volunteers that meant many who contract cancer would not have been able to access compensation.”

“The other reason that Bill failed to achieve the support of the majority of MP’s was that it combined the Government’s completely separate, highly political plan to carve up the CFA.”

“Combining the issues not only doomed the presumptive cancer provisions to fail but was also seen by many innocent firefighters as a cynical attempt to use their health as a political bargaining chip.”

“As firefighters across Victoria prepare for a high-risk fire season, the least they should be offered is the knowledge that if they contract cancer as a result, a simple and equitable system will look after them and their families without the need for the complex legal battles the last Bill would have required.”

“All emergency workers deserve the greatest respect, especially volunteers who leave their homes and families to protect those of others without payment.”

“Every political leader should demonstrate that respect today by committing to support stand-alone, unambiguous, no tricks presumptive cancer legislation that does not discriminate between paid and volunteer firefighters as the first item on the Notice Paper of the next Parliament,” Mr. Ford ended

Friday, 19 October 2018 14:49

October 2018 Newsletter

Written by

The October Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the October 2018 edition.

You can view all previous editions by visiting the Archives available by clicking here. (Click on the Months Heading after you go to this page - to expand that months content.)

Monday, 15 October 2018 11:17

Volunteer Survey - Final Days!

Written by

This year’s volunteer survey is in its final days. Have you done it yet? 

Help us help you and complete the survey today. There has never been a more important time for volunteers to have a say.

The survey continues to be an important and reliable method to capture the views of volunteers and track what has been achieved and is improving, as well as addressing areas that are the cause of dissatisfaction for volunteers.

The VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, which includes 33 questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. Last year over 2,600 CFA volunteers took part in the survey and over 7,700 volunteers took part across our interstate surveys. Your comments are confidential, but the results go straight to the decision makers.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete and is open until close of business on Monday 22 October 2018.

For the third year, the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is being offered to volunteers from fire agencies from across Australia. They survey has been a success in Victoria since 2012 and is being offered to fire service volunteers again in 2018 through each state’s representative associations as part of the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA).

The survey was developed by VFBV, to address a significant gap in the information available to the state’s decision maker, and over the years has been become an unmatched guide to trends in volunteer opinions.

Your comments are confidential, and your input is vital. 

Take the survey today and tell your friends and fellow Brigade members: https://www.vfbv.com.au/cfa or direct via: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018vfbvsurvey 

 

Monday, 08 October 2018 11:59

Uniden Digital Scanner Software Update

Written by

Members would be aware from previous updates, that VFBV has been requesting that CFA provide an update for the Uniden Scanners (Listening Sets) that will update the scanners with all the new CFA/DELWP radio channel mapping, talk groups and fireground channels.

Due to the high number of changes, VFBV requested if this update could be rolled into a firmware update that is required to update the scanners to overcome the ‘super grouping’ issue that was identified last year, to save members having to do multiple updates. Last year’s outage resulted in all scanners ‘going quiet’ for a couple of days when a proprietary P25 ‘super group’ codec was unexpectedly rolled out to the network last year. 

We are pleased to report that CFA has worked with Uniden to release a patch that will update the firmware and includes all the new CFA/DELWP channel mapping.

A summary of the changes available by installing the patch are:

  1. Upgraded Firmware to enable the use of Supergrouping of the RMR Network.
  2. Added new RMR sites serving Districts 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 17 & 27.
  3. Added the RMR Fire Ground Talkgroups to Districts 7, 8, 13 & 14.
  4. Updated RMR Site Control Frequencies that were changed.
  5. Added new CFA Incident Management Channels (IMC's) including recent channel changes.
  6. Removed the CFA RMR Command & Control groups from each District profile as these are not current.
  7. Removed the Analogue channel numbers from all the CFA Channel Names.
  8. Added NAC's to initial local District Fireground channels.
  9. Updated the DEWLP Incident Channels for each District to reflect the P25 upgrade of DELWP Incident Channels.
  10. Updated the DEWLP Fire Ground Channels for each District.

 

This patch can be downloaded from here: https://www.uniden.com.au/product/ubcd436pt-au/#1508302157496-9588945a-630b 

Full instructions and a step-by step guide to downloading the software can be found at the bottom of this page, called "Uniden Software Download Instructions" as well as a guide to updating the Scanner. 

VFBV delegates to the Joint Communications and Technology Committee have congratulated CFA on the simple method for the update and thanked both CFA representatives and Uniden for their combined efforts, which has resulted in a positive outcome for members.

CFA advise members they need to apply the update prior to November 1st in order to coincide with planned network updates.

 


 

In other but related news, CFA has advised VFBV that its contract with the Australian supplier for the discounted Uniden Scanners has now ended, and CFA will not be accepting any further orders. Any additional sets will now need to be sourced by members locally. VFBV has advised CFA that there is likely to be renewed interest in additional sets with the forthcoming digital rollout of CFA digital comms to the outer metropolitan areas (District 7, 8, 13 and 14), and we will continue to monitor interest levels for additional subsidy programs in the future. Since the joint Digital Scanner initiative was announced by CFA and VFBV back in 2015, we are pleased to report that over 11,000 digital scanners have been distributed across 970 Brigades and 80 Groups, closing a hugely successful and collaborative approach between the two organisations.

Sunday, 07 October 2018 11:48

Joint Committee Expressions of Interest

Written by

Expressions of interest are now being sought from members wishing to participate in the VFBV/CFA Joint Committee’s for the 2019 calendar year. VFBV delegates to these Committees are comprised of State Councillors and subject matter experts. Subject matter experts are sought each year, and are nominated through VFBV District Councils, and then endorsed by State Council at their December meeting.

When evaluating nominations, District Council's have been requested to consider the following nominees have:

  1. a desire and the time to commit to the State level committee process. (This means a minimum of four meetings per year at CFA H.Q. Burwood. (Held on either a Saturday or a Sunday.

  2. relevant subject matter expertise and experience to be able to actively contribute to the Committee’s work.

  3. the confidence and support of their District Council that they will be a constructive contributor to the Committee’s work.

  4. a sufficient network outside their own Brigade, that would allow them to network and ensure their views are not just their own, but is informed and representative of the views in your District.

Any questions on the process, required experience and subject matter expertise can be sought from your State Councillors, District Council Executive members, or VFBV Support Officer’s. Applications are due late October, with each District Council responsible for their own prioritisation and advertising process. If you are interested in contributing to these important Committee’s please discuss with your District Council as soon as possible, to ensure your nomination can be considered by the due date.

Throughout the past year volunteers have been querying when the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) Independent Review into Equity and Diversity in CFA and MFB will be released.

To recap, the VEOHRC Independent Review into equity and diversity in CFA and MFB was conducted in late 2016 and much welcomed by VFBV and volunteers across CFA, with an expectation that the final report would be released early in 2017.

It was with much disappointment that we learned in mid-2017 that the report could not be released due to action instigated by the UFU in the Supreme Court seeking to prevent VEOHRC releasing its report publicly.  The report was originally on track for release in about July 2017 but has been held up due to the UFU legal action blocking its release. 

Despite the Supreme Court providing a decision in early December 2017 dismissing the UFU application and confirming that the VEOHRC has acted within its powers in undertaking the work the report was still not released because following the Supreme Court dismissal of UFU’s application, in mid-January 2018 the UFU took further legal action appealing the Supreme Court decision in the Court of Appeal.  The case was heard by the Court of Appeal in April 2018 and advised it would issue its decision at a later date.

Subsequently the report has still not been released as at today.

VEOHRC have now written to VFBV informing us that the Court of Appeal has advised that United Firefighters Union Australia v. Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission & Anor has been listed for judgment this week at 10am on Thursday, 4 October 2018.

VEOHRC have advised that the commission will attend Court to receive the decision and will then be in touch as soon as possible after the decision has been handed down to notify us of the outcome.

The anxiety and frustration the delay is causing, particularly to people who participated in the review, is understood.  VFBV will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further advice as soon as a decision is known.  I encourage anyone who needs support because of the process associated with the release of this report to contact VEOHRC on 9032 3464 or visit the VEOHRC website https://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/home/our-projects-a-initiatives/independent-review-cfa-and-mfb and follow the prompts to be targeted to the appropriate support; seek support from our VFBV network; and/or discuss your concerns with your local networks.

Wednesday, 19 September 2018 11:39

September Newsletter

Written by

The September Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the September edition.

You can view all previous editions by visiting the Archives available by clicking here.

Wednesday, 05 September 2018 13:53

VFBV Board Vacancy

Written by

Invitation to apply:  Board Member of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV)

INVITATION OPEN TO ALL CFA VOLUNTEERS

 

As from 1st October 2018, there will be a vacancy on the VFBV Board.

VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

The term of appointment will be to 1st October 2020 (two years) and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for this vacancy. 

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association.  Also actively contributing to policy discussion at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to actively advocate for the benefit of all CFA volunteers and ultimately the Victorian community.

A Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria is available at the bottom of this page.

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.


 

If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees. 

Closing date for written applications is 14th November 2018

 

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Wednesday 14th November 2018 to:

VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East  3151

Enquiries can be made via Tel: 9886 1141; Fax: 9886 1618; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 2018 VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is now open to all CFA volunteers.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.

The survey will be open until Monday 22 October 2018.

The VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, which includes 33 questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. Last year over 2,600 CFA volunteers took part in the survey and over 7,700 volunteers took part across our interstate surveys. Your comments are confidential, but the results go straight to the decision makers.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete and is open until close of business on Monday 22 October 2018.

The survey continues to be an important and reliable method to capture the views of volunteers and track what has been achieved and is improving, as well as addressing areas that are the cause of dissatisfaction for volunteers. You can access last years results from here

For the third year, the survey is being offered to volunteers from fire agencies across Australia. Please see below for details of the other State and Territory Fire Service surveys available.

 



2018 Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey available to Fire Agency Volunteers from Across Australia

For the third year, the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is being offered to volunteers from fire agencies from across Australia. They survey has been a success in Victoria since 2012 and is being offered to fire service volunteers again in 2018 through each state’s representative associations as part of the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA).

The survey was developed by VFBV, to address a significant gap in the information available to the state’s decision maker, and over the years has been become an unmatched guide to trends in volunteer opinions.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete and is open until close of business 22 October 2018.

To take part, click on your fire service below.

New South Wales

NSW Rural Fire Service Survey 

Queensland

Rural Fire Service Queensland Survey 

Tasmania

Tasmanian Fire Service Volunteers Survey 

Note Tasmanian Fire Service Retained Volunteers Association have elected to not take part this year, please contact TRVFA if you have any queries.

Victoria

Country Fire Authority Survey

Western Australia

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Survey 

 

The 2018 VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is now open to all CFA volunteers.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.

The survey will be open until Monday 22 October 2018.

The VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, which includes 33 questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. Last year over 2,600 CFA volunteers took part in the survey and over 7,700 volunteers took part across our interstate surveys. Your comments are confidential, but the results go straight to the decision makers.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete and is open until close of business on Monday 22 October 2018.

The survey continues to be an important and reliable method to capture the views of volunteers and track what has been achieved and is improving, as well as addressing areas that are the cause of dissatisfaction for volunteers. You can access last years results from here

For the third year, the survey is being offered to volunteers from fire agencies across Australia. Please see below for details of the other State and Territory Fire Service surveys available.

 



2018 Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey available to Fire Agency Volunteers from Across Australia

For the third year, the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is being offered to volunteers from fire agencies from across Australia. They survey has been a success in Victoria since 2012 and is being offered to fire service volunteers again in 2018 through each state’s representative associations as part of the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA).

The survey was developed by VFBV, to address a significant gap in the information available to the state’s decision maker, and over the years has been become an unmatched guide to trends in volunteer opinions.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete and is open until close of business 22 October 2018.

To take part, click on your fire service below.

New South Wales

NSW Rural Fire Service Survey 

Queensland

Rural Fire Service Queensland Survey 

Tasmania

Tasmanian Fire Service Volunteers Survey 

Note Tasmanian Fire Service Retained Volunteers Association have elected to not take part this year, please contact TRVFA if you have any queries.

Victoria

Country Fire Authority Survey

Western Australia

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Survey 

 

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CFA Volunteers are the unpaid professionals of our Emergency Services. VFBV is their united voice, and speaks on behalf of Victoria's 60,000 CFA Volunteers.

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