VFBV

Agility and Resilience 

By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

I want to acknowledge the incredibly difficult and challenging period we are all working through. Without a moment to catch our breath following this year’s busy Fire Season, we now find ourselves navigating an extremely complex and challenging pandemic. COVID-19 will continue to challenge us and test both our resilience and that of our communities.

Unsurprising – our brigades have stepped up and have again proven themselves to be highly effective and agile. I commend you all on the amazing work done at the local level to activate emergency plans and protocols that are maintaining emergency response continuity to our communities.

A state level Pandemic Management Team has been established within CFA and is operating similar to an IMT, coordinating state level response, communications and planning. CFA and VFBV have activated the same working protocols we use during periods of high operational activity, and are working very closely together to share and leverage off the incredible knowledge and experience that sits within both organisations to help navigate the difficult pathways ahead.

With things moving so quickly, and the need to monitor both State and Commonwealth responses, I want to recognise the difficult and dynamic environment that we all find ourselves operating in. And while I know that some would like a little more detail or specific instructions/protocols to help guide brigade planning, I urge you all to have confidence in yourselves, your abilities and your training.

The reality is, this challenge puts every single one of our brigades on the ‘fireground’, responding to the needs of each of our own communities and dealing with an incident that is impacting directly on each and every-one of our members, both from a CFA perspective as well as a personal one.

Through our brigades – we are ready and prepared to give our all - working together with a very stressed and anxious community. No one knows your local patch and community better than you do. No one knows your members and their unique and diverse situations better than you do. No one will be able to adapt quicker and more effectively than you can. Back yourselves, your judgement and each other.

I have every confidence that you will use your very best endeavours to adapt and respond to the upcoming challenges as best we can. The strength of our systems and model is that our brigades represent the very best of over 1200 Victorian communities across the State. We have unparalleled reach and connection with our communities, their needs and how to keep them safe.

Use your local knowledge and experience to best adapt to the situation at hand. Be guided by your knowledge and experience and approach the challenge with the same calm and professionalism that we are renowned for.

You are vital and respected leaders within your communities. During these periods of uncertainty when many citizens are feeling scared, anxious and isolated - they are looking to you for leadership and assurance. I have every confidence that you and your Brigade will continue to be a beacon of hope and calm - just as we are during campaign fires.

Please take time to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing and keep an eye on those around you. Each of us will respond differently to the current situation, so its important we don’t approach it like a one size fits all.

All peer and welfare services are running as normal, 24-hours a day. The CFA Wellbeing Support line is 1800 959 232. A new confidential opt-in ‘check-in’ service has also been initiated whereby members can sign up to receive regular scheduled phone calls from a peer, chaplain or wellbeing team member. This service can be used for a social chat, or if you need to talk more deeply about the challenges you are facing.

You can register for this service via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (03) 9262 8939.

Welfare Fund

Priority has been given to maintaining business continuity and operations of our Welfare Fund. All processes and systems to deal with applications remain in place and are operating as normal. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the Welfare Fund secretary is preferred (rather than phone) but phone options remain available via (03) 9886 1141.

VFBV Support Officers can assist with any initial enquiries or questions on process as well, and we have procedures in place to triage member enquiries. The Welfare Fund is also aiding members experiencing hardship to assist them register for other government support and assistance. We are tracking all Commonwealth and State relief packages to support impacted members connect with all options available.

Fire Impacted Areas

It is incredibly important that members in fire impacted communities do not feel forgotten or abandoned. I am committed to ensuring support for fire impacted communities continue, and we will stand by fire impacted communities for as long as it takes. On behalf of VFBV, I commit to every brigade, group or member in these communities that we will continue to support you and walk the long road of recovery together, every step of the way. Our support for you and these recovery activities will not waiver.

Impact assessments can continue to be sent in and logged, with our work to identify members impacted by this season’s bushfires continuing. VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)  is coordinating this work in the North East Region, and Colin Booth (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for the South East Region. While our working bee’s and recovery taskforces have had to be suspended for now – they will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

District Council Support

State Council has approved streamlined processes to enable District Councils to continue supporting brigades and groups at the local level. Care is being taken to ensure the focus is on brigade/group operational response and logistics.

District Council executive members are being supported to keep regular contact with their brigades and groups to monitor any areas they need assistance with. Regular contact between the District Council leadership group and the local CFA management is ensuring any local issues raised by brigades can be quickly acted on and resolved at the local level.

Priority is being given to resolve any issues brigades or groups may be experiencing with accessing appropriate protective equipment and supplies. Ordering systems remain in place and stock levels are being constantly monitored. Orders should be placed and processed through the State Logistics Center as normal. Procedures to protect supply are in place, and you are requested to only order what you need.

Please work to resolve any issues at the local level first and escalate to your local District Council if you require any assistance.

Thank-you

Thank-you for the continued work you are doing in keeping our communities safe.

These are extraordinary times and will require us all to work together and support each other as we navigate the challenging road ahead. Never forget that we are well prepared and have a very robust and resilient operational response model in place. Each time our collective efforts have been tested - we have always risen to the challenge.

My hope is that just like in previous times, when we look back on this period and our response to it – that it will be remembered as a period of compassion, agility, fortitude and resilience.

A special thank-you to all members who in their other non-CFA roles continue to work within the health sector. Thank-you also to each of you contributing to essential roles like transport, logistics, and customer service/sales. There are too many sectors to mention – but we are indebted to you all.

Never forget that when we all work together, we are capable of so many extraordinary things. Don’t lose sight of the tremendous ‘good’ that you are responsible for generating and putting into our communities. Stand tall, be kind to one another and keep your heads up.

Please stay safe, take care of yourselves and each other.

COVID-19 Resources 

VFBV have created two landing pages on our website for members to access summary information with links to the source material. 

Operational and health information can be found on this page. This article also includes a log of Operational Guidance notes issued by CFA with links to the CFA members area for each.

The second page summarises the current financial support and assistance resources available.

VFBV will be making every effort to keep these pages up to date with current information.

CFA have also created a landing page within the members area of Brigades Online which can be accessed here.

16/17 Year Old's 

The deadline for submissions has been extended, with a new closing date set for 15 May 2020.

Members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.

Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member.

Federal and State Inquiries 

On the 6th April, State Council has requested that both the Federal and State bushfire inquiries that were established earlier this year extend the period available for volunteers to make submission.

With this year’s debriefing and after-action reviews significantly impacted by COVID-19, there is little opportunity or chance for CFA members to genuinely respond to the terms of reference.

With submissions for both inquiries closing shortly after Easter (April 15 for the Victorian Inquiry and April 17 for the Federal Inquiry) State Council is urging a little common sense and respect for those who have not had a second to catch their breath from this year’s fire season.

Update: 9th April 2020: Both inquiries have made a short extension to their submission closing timelines. The new closing dates for submission for each are:

Federal - closing date of Tuesday 28th April 2020

State - closing date of Thursday 30th April 2020

For more information see the VFBV website.

Fire Wise - Message from the Managing Editor 

Due to current restrictions impacting on our print house, Fire Wise will not print April edition but instead upload this to the website for free viewing to all – www.fire-wise.com.au 

I apologise to all for any inconvenience but hope you understand this is beyond our control.

It is planned to return to normal printing and distribution for May edition.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards

Gordon King
Managing Editor – Fire Wise
Tel: 0402 051 412

Championship Cancellation 

Following the ban of mass gatherings in response to COVID-19, members were advised on the 13th March that this year’s State Championships had been cancelled.

Commencing in 1873, the State Competitions have enjoyed a very long and proud history which pre-dates our Federation and even predates Australia’s first Test Cricket match by four years! Highlighting the historic nature of this year’s cancellation – the State Competitions have only ever previously been cancelled during the war years of the first world war and second world war.

VFBV would like to recognise the impact this decision makes not only on our own people, but on the host city of Mooroopna in particular. In recognition of these impacts, VFBV has requested CFA approval to conduct the 2021 and 2022 State Championships in Mooroopna.

Appreciation and gratitude are extended to all members of our Competition Committee’s and the Mooroopna Host Committee who have together toiled extremely hard over the last 18 months to prepare for what was to be an historic celebration of our Urban and Rural competitions. With the next two successive championships to be held in Mooroopna much of that work will not be lost.

Thank-you to all competing brigades, competitors, coaches, organisers, sponsors and supporters for your understanding and cooperation as arrangements of the cancellation were progressed. The State Championships signify one of the earliest times in Victorian history that volunteer fie brigades united as one, and we look forward to continuing that tradition in the years ahead.

Protective Face Masks

VFBV delegates to the State PPC/E Committee have requested CFA establish a working party to review all scientific and research literature on protective face masks for use during bushfire firefighting.

In recognition that there are still many unknowns and a lack of consistency across fire services across Australian jurisdictions in this space, VFBV has requested that a multi-state working party be established. The intent would be to invite other States and Territories to consider becoming involved and sharing resources to investigate and consider the available evidence. VFBV is aware of a number of services who have conducted limited field evaluations on alternate products.

VFBV State Council has recommended a collaborative and multi-faceted approach to ensure all health and safety factors are considered. CFA Health and Occupational specialists have long cautioned on the widespread replacement of the current P2 masks without first investigating the available evidence, warning that there are complex interactions that first need to be tested and understood first. For example, concern has been raised that higher rated masks may increase the risks to firefighter’s cardiovascular system as the body needs to work harder and compensate for more laboured breathing as is frequently experienced with non-positive pressure masks.

CFA has indicated support to this approach and will work with the committee to progress. We will keep members apprised of progress.

Cancer Claims

VFBV continues productive discussions with WorkSafe on how to streamline and simplify how volunteer firefighters apply for compensation under the new presumptive legislation scheme. In recognition that this is the first time many volunteers will be accessing a WorkSafe scheme, the work cover authority has agreed to progress in collaboration with VFBV new documentation and guides to assist volunteers with the application process and completion of the required forms.

Any volunteers who are considering making application under presumptive legislation are encouraged to contact a VFBV State Councillor, Support Officer or the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 prior to making application. We can assist you understand the paperwork and process while these hard-fought improvements are yet to be implemented.

Driving Strategy

VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee have reported positive progress on changes being progressed under CFA’s Driving Strategy.

VFBV recently met with the CFA State Driving Coordinator as part of the consultation process to discuss and workshop a strategy that will essentially result in a more streamlined and consistent approach to heavy vehicle licencing; safer driving both on-road and off-road; and a more flexible delivery of CFA driving legislation and policy.

VFBV continues to advocate strongly for volunteers to be engaged, with particular emphasis and priority on supporting volunteer trainers and assessors to be empowered and supported with delivery.

Fire Services Reform 

VFBV continues to strongly advocate for volunteer engagement and consultation throughout the Governments Fire Services Reform implementation.

With many consultative processes being directly impacted by COVID-19 arrangements it will be essential that decisions either be delayed, or new processes put in place to ensure volunteers continue to be genuinely engaged and consulted.

Examples of priorities being pursued by VFBV have been to request brigade and volunteer consultation on the development of asset allocation statements; the inclusion of an appeal process prior to Ministerial signoff; a tenancy agreement for co-located brigades to clarify and protect volunteer access to amenities and shared area’s and dispute resolution; volunteer consultation on any changes proposed to the response or operating model; the CFA/FRV secondment model; the Fire District Review Panel; the Implementation Monitor and Plan; and a volunteer support and respect package to strengthen and enhance the support provided to volunteers during the changes to protect Victoria’s essential volunteer surge capacity.

Progress and response to these requests have been found wanting. Members will need to continue to monitor for any volunteer impacts (intended or otherwise) and escalate as required.

VFBV will continue to monitor progress and continue to highlight concerns as they become apparent.

As members would be aware, the submission survey commenced in December 2019. Due to the high level of operational activity over the fire season, the closing date for submissions has again been extended to Friday 15 May 2020.

State Council has supported a request from District Council #9 to investigate and obtain the views of members on the continued use of 16-and-17-year old’s as operational members.

Members can access the template/survey from the bottom of this page under Downloads, or an online version is available from: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16and17YearOldMembers   

Background

For the purposes of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 a child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.

Current CFA policy is that the minimum age for a member to be approved as an operational member and attend fires and incidents is 16 years of age. These members require parental consent to be documented during their application process.

CFA SOP 6.02 includes the following considerations:

- 16-and-17-year old members must be endorsed by the Brigade OIC to undertake operational activities

- An adult crew member other than the Incident Controller or Crew Leader must be designated as an ‘authorised accompanying operational firefighter’ for every two 16-and-17-year old crew members

- A maximum of two 16-and-17-year old members may be allocated per appliance at any given time

- When an incident response involves the serious injury or fatality of a person(s), the Authorised Accompanying Operational Firefighter must take all reasonable steps to shield the 16-and-17-year old CFA member(s) from potentially traumatic situations.

CFA released an updated Operations Bulletin in May 2019 (Operations Bulletin 008/2018 v2) which includes:

- CFA is obliged to meet a range of legislative requirements focused on keeping children safe within the organisation. These include:

- the Victorian Government Child Safe Standards mandated under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005;

- the statutory duty of care imposed by the Wrongs Amendment (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2017 (Vic);

- the obligations of CFA as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

- Discouraging the turning out of 16-and-17-year old’s to potentially traumatic situations when attending a fire or other incident as a member of our Brigades through exercising operational discretion, and

- Prohibiting the turning out of 16-and-17-year old members at long haul strike teams

Recent Statistics

Preliminary CFA analysis on the activity of 16-and-17-year old members found:

- There is approx. 589 members who are currently aged between 16-and-17-year’s of age

- Approx 196 of those are classified as ‘operational’

- Over the least two years, 143 have recorded responding to actual operational activity

Consultation

While a formal CFA future position is not known at this time, CFA has informally indicated it is very likely to be reviewing it position in the future. To assist with early discussions, State Council has agreed to commence preliminary consultation with members to inform the development of a future VFBV position. Feedback will also inform early discussions with CFA and assist with preliminary VFBV advocacy should CFA choose to formally seek VFBV’s views on a future review.

Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.

To help members provide structured feedback and/or submission, the following template has been developed to guide submission. Members are not required to use this template and may submit opinion and/or feedback in any other written form. However – use of this template will assist VFBV collate and identify common themes.

Timeline

The closing date for the survey has been extended to Friday 15 May 2020 due to the high level of operational activity over the fire season.

State Council will review an consider feedback to the survey later in the year.

Please note: All personal identifying information will be removed from State level analysis and no identifying information will be provided to CFA or any other entity. All submissions will be treated as private and de-identified for analysis, with only trend, and general geographic summaries (such as District and Region) provided in results.

On the 6th April, State Council requested that both the Federal and State bushfire inquiries that were established earlier this year extend the period available for volunteers to make submission.

With this year’s debriefing and after-action reviews significantly impacted by COVID-19, there is little opportunity or chance for CFA members to genuinely respond to the terms of reference.

With submissions for both enquiries closing shortly after Easter (April 15 for the Victorian Enquiry and April 17 for the Federal Enquiry) State Council is urging a little common sense and respect for those who have not had a second to catch their breath from this year’s fire season.

Update: 9th April 2020: Both inquiries have made a short extension to their submission closing timelines. The new closing dates for submission for each are:

Federal - closing date of Tuesday 28th April 2020

State - closing date of Thursday 30th April 2020

Federal Inquiry

The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20 which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Bushfires Royal Commission’, the Commission will examine coordination, preparedness for, response to and recovery from disasters as well as improving resilience and adapting to changing climatic conditions and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The inquiry will also consider the legal framework for Commonwealth involvement in responding to national emergencies.

Terms of Reference are located here: https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/about/terms-reference 

Submissions can be made via here: https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/submissions 

Summary of Terms of Reference

1. the responsibilities of, and coordination between, the Commonwealth and State, Territory and local Governments relating to preparedness for, response to, resilience to, and recovery from, natural disasters, and what should be done to improve these arrangements, including with respect to resource sharing;
   
   
2. Australia’s arrangements for improving resilience and adapting to changing climatic conditions, what actions should be taken to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, and whether accountability for natural disaster risk management, preparedness, resilience and recovery should be enhanced, including through a nationally consistent accountability and reporting framework and national standards;
   
   
3. whether changes are needed to Australia’s legal framework for the involvement of the Commonwealth in responding to national emergencies, including in relation to the following:
   1. thresholds for, and any obstacles to, State or Territory requests for Commonwealth assistance;
   2. whether the Commonwealth Government should have the power to declare a state of national emergency;
   3. how any such national declaration would interact with State and Territory emergency management frameworks;
   4. whether, in the circumstances of such a national declaration, the Commonwealth Government should have clearer authority to take action (including, but without limitation, through the deployment of the Australian Defence Force) in the national interest;
      
      
4. any relevant matter reasonably incidental to a matter referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c).

State Inquiry

On 14 January 2020 the government announced an inquiry into the 2019-2020 Victorian fire season would be conducted by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM).

Through this Inquiry, IGEM will examine Victoria’s preparedness for the fire season, response to fires in large parts of Victoria's North East, Gippsland, and Alpine regions, and will review relief and recovery efforts.

Terms of Reference are located here: https://www.igem.vic.gov.au/Fire-Season-Inquiry

Submissions can be made via here: https://www.igem.vic.gov.au/Fire-Season-Inquiry 

Summary of Terms of Reference

Phase 1: Matters for consideration:

• Effectiveness of emergency management command and control and accountability arrangements in Victoria.
  
  
• Effectiveness of Victoria’s operational response to the 2019-20 fire season.
  
  
• Review of the effectiveness of the declaration of a state of disaster under the Emergency Management Act 1986 – including the appropriateness of supporting legislative and administrative processes, communication, and community compliance.
  
  
• State evacuation planning and preparedness processes/practices and their effectiveness with an emphasis on remote/isolated communities and Victorian peak holiday season locations.
  
  
• The timeliness and effectiveness of activation of Commonwealth assistance, and Commonwealth resource availability
  
  
• Preparedness ahead of the 2019-20 fire season; including the effectiveness of regional emergency management work undertaken to inform and educate the community about the coming season, community engagement, impact of lengthening fire seasons, and any relevant legislation, policy and practice. 
  
  
• Consider all challenges and implications for bushfire preparedness arising from increasingly longer and more severe bushfire seasons as a result of climate change. 
  
  
• In the context of bushfire preparedness, assess the readiness and responsibilities of statutory agencies, Local Government and State Government bodies. 
  
  
• Review of all opportunities and approaches to bushfire preparedness, including different methods of fuel and land management (for example ‘cool burning’, mechanical slashing, integrated forest management, traditional fire approaches) to protect life and property as well as ecological and cultural values.
  
  
• Consideration of the effectiveness of Victoria’s Code Red day arrangements and their application in practice.
  
  
• In considering effectiveness of Victoria’s operational response to the 2019-20 fire season, IGEM should particularly consider:
  • effectiveness of the State’s response priorities, including primacy of life
  • effectiveness of public information and warning systems, including cross-border coordination and communication
  • impact of increasingly longer fire seasons on the ability to prepare, deploy and sustain efforts directed towards emergency events in Victoria
  • impact of providing Victorian responder officers to other Australian jurisdictions to assist with emergency events (as early as September 2019 this summer season)
  • availability and utilisation of private assets and resources (including plant equipment) to support emergency preparedness and response
  • planning and response mechanisms to protect biodiversity threatened by bushfire
  • effectiveness of the existing workforce model to support response, relief and recovery.
    
    
• Review support available to staff and volunteers in terms of mental health and wellbeing.
  
  
• Consideration of the adequacy of existing administrative and funding mechanisms in place at a state level to support the operational response efforts.
  
  
• In considering the timeliness and effectiveness of activation of Commonwealth assistance, and Commonwealth resource availability, IGEM should particularly consider:
  • effectiveness of current national resource sharing arrangements when multiple and simultaneous fire events are occurring
  • effectiveness of existing governance arrangements supporting access to Commonwealth and State air fleets
  • use and integration of Australian Defence Force assets into Victoria’s emergency response and relief operations.

Information concerning financial support and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated. Below is a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. We will continue to monitor and update as new information comes to hand.

Health Information - including restrictions and operational guidance can be found via this article: https://vfbv.com.au/index.php/component/k2/item/784-covid-19 

Updated 9th April 2020 to include updated information on Job Keeper payment; small business; land tax and childcare. 

Loss of employment

If you’ve lost employment or income you can apply for JobSeeker Payment (Formerly Newstart) which is $565 per fortnight for people who are single and without children.  The rate varies if you have a partner or dependents.  Visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment 

If you’re able to receive JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance or Special Benefit an additional $565 will be paid each fortnight from 27 April for at least six months.

The government has temporarily expanded eligibility for the JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments, meaning you may be eligible if you are:

• A permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job
• A sole trader, self-employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced
• Caring for someone who’s affected by COVID-19.
   

Sole traders and casual workers who are currently making less than $1,075 a fortnight will be eligible to receive the full supplement.

If you are already receiving one of the above welfare payments, you do not need to do anything. Services Australia will automatically pay the Coronavirus Supplement to eligible recipients from April 27.

Visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/news/more-financial-support-coronavirus-affected-job-seekers for further information.


Job Keeper Payment

Businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access a wage subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of 6 months. Eligible employees will receive a minimum of $1,500 per fortnight, before tax. It will be up to the employer if they want to pay superannuation on any additional wage paid because of JobKeeper Payments.

If you ordinarily receive $1,500 or more in income per fortnight before tax, you will continue to receive your regular income according to the prevailing workplace arrangements. The JobKeeper Payments   will subsidise part or all of your income.

• If you ordinarily receive less than $1,500 in income per fortnight before tax, your employer must pay you, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.
• If you have been stood down, your employer must pay you, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.
• If you were employed on 1 March 2020, subsequently ceased employment and then were re-engaged by the same eligible employer, you will receive, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.
• Are at least 16 years of age.
• Are an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa, a protected special category visa, a non-protected special category visa who has been residing continually in Australia for 10 years or more, or a New Zealander on a special category (subclass 444) visa
• Your partner earns less than $79,762

Payment will begin in May and will be backdated to 30 March

Visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/jobkeeper 

Household assistance

Two $750 payments will be made to anyone receiving government payments including family tax benefit or is a Commonwealth Senior Card holder.  The first payment,  will made from 31 March and the second payment, from 13 July.

Pensioners

The deeming rates, which are used for the pension income assessment, will be reduced by another 0.25 percentage points to reflect the latest rate reductions by the Reserve Bank of Australia.  Beginning in early May, the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent and the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent.


Small businesses and not-for-profits.

Small businesses and NFPs with employees and a turnover under $50 million will receive a tax-free cash payment of up to $100,000 to help them keep staff and continue operations. This will generally be based on the previous financial year’s income. 

Assistance is also available for businesses to make investments, write-off assets and to support apprentices & trainees.

For further information on how this will be paid and your eligibility visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses 

The Victorian State Government has announced a relief package for businesses that includes changes to payroll tax, hardship payments and grants to industries badly impacted or affected by the state’s shutdown rules.

For More information visit: https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/coronavirus 

Land tax deferral

Land owners due to pay 2020 land tax that have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020.

The State Revenue Office will contact all taxpayers who are eligible for this deferral.

Superannuation

individuals financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to access $10,000 of their super this financial year, and another $10,000 next financial year.

This withdrawal will be tax-free, and will have no baring on your current Centrelink payments.

From mid-April 2020, eligible individuals will be able to apply online through www.my.gov.au to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before July 1, 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from July 1, 2020, for approximately three months.

To be eligible, you must satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

• You are unemployed
• You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment, special benefit or farm household allowance
• On or after January 1, 2020, either:
  You were made redundant
  Your working hours were reduced by 20 per cent or more
  If you are a sole trader, your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20 per cent or more.

Childcare

On 2 April 2020, the Australian Government announced the new Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package. From Monday 6 April 2020 weekly payments will be made directly to early childhood education and care services in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, to help them keep their doors open and employees in their jobs.

Payments will be made until 28 June 2020 and families will not be charged fees during this time. These payments will complement the JobKeeper Payment announced by the Prime Minister on 30 March 2020. Early childhood education and child care services do not need to apply for the payments, they will be paid automatically. 

https://www.dese.gov.au/news/covid-19-early-childhood-education-and-care-relief-package-monday-6-april-additional-support 

Financial Counselling

Financial counsellors are professionals, regulated by federal legislation and employed by not for profit community organisations. They provide information, advice and advocacy support free of charge, assisting people in dealing with life situations involving debt and hardship, dealing with creditors, and stabilising finances. The National Debt Helpline is staffed by financial counsellors and can be contacted on 1800 007 007

Free financial counselling services can be found at:

https://ndh.org.au/ - National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/rural-financial-counselling-service - Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) - 1800 900 090

https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/ - Financial Counselling Australia – (03) 8554 6979

VFBV Welfare Fund

Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship.  Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.

The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.

Under Australian Taxation rules, the fund is required to assess an applicant is in 'necessitous circumstances', and therefor the fund is required to conduct a financial assessment of each applicants situation which is contained within the application form. One on one support is available to assist members and brigades with this process, and all applications are strictly confidential to protect the dignity and privacy of the individual.   

In addition to the normal grant process, and during the current pandemic, the Welfare Fund is also providing personal support and assistance with the linking of members with available financial support and assistance. Providing current and up-to-date information on available grants and personal support with applying and arranging for grant payments. The fund is also supporting members with any expenses not covered by existing Government support to best assist members getting back on their feet.

The VFBV Welfare Fund is:

• Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing Brigades
• Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process.

Member Welfare and Support

Support services are available to provide you additional support:

Lifeline:  13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.