News 
HomePage Featured (431)
December 2, 2023 marks 25 years since the loss of five Geelong West volunteer firefighters that died during the Linton blaze. The fire had started on private property and spread through more than 600 hectares of bush and farmland. Tragedy struck when a savage wind change swept through earlier than expected.
We honour and remember the loss of firefighters Christopher Evans (27), Garry Vredeveldt (47), Stuart Davidson (28), Jason Thomas (25) and Matthew Armstrong (17).
To remember the five members of their brigade, members of the Geelong West Fire Brigade will hold a memorial service on Saturday 2nd December at the Geelong West Memorial Park with members of emergency services and the wideer community coming together to mark the 25th anniversary.
On 2nd December 1998 a bushfire burned through private land and State Forrest near the township of Linton. At approximately 8:45pm two CFA tankers and their crews were trapped and engulfed in fire following an unexpected wind change. The crew of one of those trucks – the five members from Geelong West brigade were tragically lost.
This devastating loss of five volunteers became the catalyst for improved changes in firefighter training and fireground safety which has potentially saved many lives since.
Some key improvements implemented as a result of the learnings from Linton have been the introduction of low water alarms on fire trucks to inform crews when water is low, the introduction of minimum skills for all firefighters (now known as General Firefighter), improved PPC and equipment as well as new operating procedures for mandatory wind warnings when wind changes are imminent.
On behalf of the VFBV Board, CEO and all members we pay our respects and honour the Geelong West crew of Chris, Garry, Stuart, Jason and Matthew. We give thanks for their devotion to duty and offer our thoughts and prayers for all those affected by this tragic loss 25 years ago.
| CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
|
1800 959 232 Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support, 7 days a week. |
| Psychologists - Counsellors - Peer Support - Chaplains |
Formal consultation has commenced on a new CFA Policy to cover 'Unreasonable Complaints'.
The proposed draft policy is available for download from the bottom of this page.
For the purposes of consultation, CFA has provided the following background information on why this policy has been developed:
CFA is committed to ensuring that appropriate processes for managing legitimate complaints are in place in respect of all aspects of CFA’s operations and, as you know, CFA continues to work on improving the accessibility and transparency of our issues, resolution, and complaints management processes.
Unfortunately, from time to time, CFA has been subject to complaints that it considers unreasonable. ‘Unreasonable complaints ’can take several forms. One example is a circumstance in which an original complaint has been addressed in accordance with correct process and been subject to relevant (and potentially multiple) review processes, but the complainant continues to be dissatisfied with the outcome or the approach taken. Another is a situation in which a person disagrees with a proper decision made by CFA in accordance with its legislative responsibilities and the person makes inappropriate, repeated, sustained and/or escalated requests for an alternative decision. In both examples, repeated complaints continue and/or escalated behaviour may be directed towards CFA staff members or volunteers,
including verbal abuse, threats, intimidation or harassment.
Unreasonable complaints might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member, or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.
Although we believe they constitute only a very small proportion of the total number of complaints that CFA receive, when they do occur they have a significant organisational impost and detract from CFA’s capacity to address more legitimate matters. In the most extreme
circumstances, unreasonable complaints can constitute a workplace health and safety risk to CFA members and/or constitute illegal behaviour.
We are seeking to ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a complaint might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public and ensure it is applied consistently across CFA.
CFA is committed to ensuring that all complaints are taken seriously, that appropriate complaint processes are correctly followed and that complainants continue to have access to services from CFA where this is relevant. However, the draft policy seeks to balance this with the need to ensure that CFA staff and volunteers are not subjected to unreasonable behaviour on an ongoing basis, particularly where such behaviour may constitute a risk to health and safety.
We have identified that the absence of a formal policy on how unreasonable complaintswill be managed by CFA has created some uncertainty for those who have experienced sustained and/or repeated adverse behaviour from a complainant about when and how such matters should be escalated and/or will be managed. Nor is there clarity for complainants themselves about the actions that CFA will consider when a complaint is considered unreasonable.
In developing the policy, CFA has largely followed the model policies of the Victorian and NSW Ombudsman’s offices for dealing with such matters and drawn on other recommended resources/examples as needed. Where relevant, we have endeavoured to ensure that the
policy is contextualised to CFA’s operating environment.
Importantly, the policy seeks to build on the foundations of our Behavioural Standards by providing further clarity on how CFA will respond to unreasonable behaviour, including from non (or former) members, and the potential consequences to servicing arrangements.
The Ombudsman’s offices variously use language such as ‘unreasonable’, ‘querulent’ or ‘vexatious’ depending on the type of complaint and nature of the complaint. CFA’s draft policy is encompassing of each of these.
Members are encouraged to review the proposed draft policy and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policy.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
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.
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.
- 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.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
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 Requested - Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)
Written by VFBV
Formal consultation has commenced on six updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) covering driving doctrine.
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
- SOP 12.01 Driving or Traveling in CFA and ESO Vehicles
- SOP 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles
- SOP 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles
- SOP 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles
- SOP 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles
- SOP 12.08 Driver Endorsement
CFA Overview of Changes
• Drive and travel in CFA or ESO vehicles, Drive under emergency response conditions and Driver fatigue and record-keeping have been combined into a single Drive and travel in CFA or ESO vehicles procedure. This creates a cohesive single procedure that allows members to understand what we are asking of them and aligns better with interstate doctrine.
• Some language has been lifted up to be more flexible and principles based. This is to support dynamic decision making by our people in the field.
• Defined Code 3 response.
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) sections have been re-written to make the easier to understand and incorporate the new log book exemption. Note - an updated log book that has been approved by the regulator will be issued to support these requirements with an updated weekly check list to align with the regulator pre-drive checklist.
• A table of HVNL examples to help members understand the practical implications has been developed.
• Minor updates to the collision process to increase reporting and CFA Safe recording.
• Inclusion of a dynamic risk assessment for members attending incidents when ‘going direct’ in a private vehicle.
• A brand new endorsement process.
Members are encouraged to review the draft endorsement process, as this represents the largest change to doctrine from a member impact perspective. CFA has advised the endorsement process:
• Aims to be as simple as possible and that leaves the power to endorse at the appropriate level while allowing for suspension / appeal if required.
• Implements a state standard endorsement that transfers with the member.
• A specific timeline has been proposed to implement the minimum endorsement standards proposed.
• CFA is developing systems and processes to record drivers licence numbers and endorsements. Those requirements are articulated in the procedure however the back end work for this is ongoing.
In particular, we encourage members to provide feedback on if they think the endorsement process is clear and reasonable, and if the proposed timeline for implementation is achievable.
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.
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.
- 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
- For those that prefer to answer a survey to provide feedback, two survey's have been developed for the SOP's with the most significant changes:
SOP 12.01 - Driving or Traveling in CFA and ESO Vehicles: Survey - https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/XQEF6R
SOP 12.08 - Driver Endorsement: Survey - https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/WPEFPK
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.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
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.
The Minister for Emergency Services the Hon Jaclyn Symes recently announced the successful projects for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) 2023/24.
VFBV would like to congratulate the 143 brigades and groups that have been successful in this round of VESEP, a list of the successful projects can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of additional equipment in recognition of the significant contribution emergency service volunteers provide in supporting Victorian communities.
VESEP grants help 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 for the next round of grants.
Once again congratulations to all the successful brigades and groups.
Entries have opened for the 2024 State Championships, as with previous years entries and judge and official nominations for all State Championships will be collected online.
The 2024 State Championship dates are:
State Urban Junior Championship Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March 2024
State Urban Senior Championship Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March 2024
State Rural Senior Championship Saturday 23rd March 2024
State Rural Junior Championship Sunday 24th March 2024
Entries for all State Championships close on Sunday 18th February 2024. Please note that it is unlikely that late entries will be accepted.
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/2024-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 18th February 2024.
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/2024-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 2024 State Championships on Saturday evening.
Updated Rule Book
The State Competition Committee have approved changes to the Rule Book at their October 2023 meeting. The changes approved by the Committee include Event 2 reverting back to the previous rules and updates to target positions in Events 5 and 6.
A copy of the updated rule book can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
State Urban Championships - Junior & Senior
Team entries
The brigade member responsible for completing their team’s entry should complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/2024-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 18th February.
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/2024-urban-judge
Information for Competing Brigades
The December 2023 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 2023 changes include changes to the rules for the Hydrant Race, Hydrant and Tanker – 4 Competitors Event and Pumper and Ladder – 5 Competitors Event as well as clarification on the allocation of points at the Urban 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 is saddened to advise that a NSW volunteer firefighter lost their life in the line of duty fighting a fire near Walgett in Northern NSW.
The RFS volunteer was working on the Hudson fire in the Walgett region when he was struck by a falling tree. Fellow RFS members rendered first aid until ambulance crews arrived – the patient was then transported to a Lightening Ridge medical facility where he tragically passed away.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the RFS volunteers family, loved ones and peers during this sad time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside our NSW firefighter brethren for this devastating loss.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
|
CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
|
1800 959 232 |
|
Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
|
Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Policy should help not hinder
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
It is clear from the fire seasons being experienced in Queensland and NSW so far this spring that this year’s fire season here in Victoria is more likely than not to be a return to a longer and busier season ahead.
Given any fire season in Victoria has the potential to be ferocious, preparation and planning is as always – key.
And while our community facing messaging is focussed on ensuring communities and residents focus on making their fire plans, it is a timely reminder about the importance of our own planning as volunteers to ensure we are at full operational readiness for the season ahead.
Now is a great time to refresh your plan for your own family outlining what they are going to do if you are called away. Also now is a good time to have those discussions with your employer about what flexibility you might have to be able to respond during the fire season. And from a brigade perspective, now is a great time to ensure all operational members have completed their Chief Officer’s mandatory requirements and burn over drill. Get it over and done with before the silly season to ensure you’re not trying to balance holiday commitments with fire season preparedness activities.
It is also a busy time from a consultation perspective, with multiple items open for feedback. Don’t forget to regularly check our consultation dashboard on the VFBV website.
Last month we closed the feedback on CFA’s draft proposals to update the brigade/ group financial governance policies with CFA proposing six new policies. State Council spent considerable time considering the feedback and studying volunteer responses.
It is clear from the feedback that volunteer morale continues to be significantly impacted, and volunteer feedback was dominated by complaints about additional bureaucracy and aspects that some described as petty. From an overall perspective, the policy suite only enjoyed a very low 37% satisfaction score.
The difficult part for us when we are confronted with such overwhelming negative feedback is navigating the subsequent conversations with CFA and trying to convince them to revisit their base assumptions. While CFA has been known to shoot the messenger in the past, I do have confidence that there is a maturity among the new executive team to take the feedback constructively and work though the issues.
The feedback reinforces my view that CFA volunteers are not opposed to change but are deeply cynical about constant changes floated without any analysis or evidence quantifying the problem that is trying to be fixed. The case for change, or more succinctly the complete lack of a case for change to accompany the proposals does not help. I suspect volunteers would be far more open to change if they were let in on how the proposed changes will actually result in a demonstrable improvement.
As I was going through the hundreds of individual items of volunteer feedback, I was reminded of the famous quotes attributed to American author Mark Twain and American poet Robert Frost “A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back again when it begins to rain.”
Volunteer feedback continues to highlight the disconnect between CFA policy and what brigades and groups think the organisation should be doing to better support them where and when they need it.
The fact of the matter is CFA is chronically underfunded, and it is its volunteers who not only donate their time to provide CFA’s services to their communities, but at the same time give up even more of their precious time to have to fundraise to purchase and upgrade the very same basic equipment, trucks, stations and protective clothing that the government routinely provides to its paid services.
Now this lack of funding isn’t the fault of CFA management. That responsibility falls squarely on government. However, it does provide important context on how volunteers are going to react when CFA proposed policy starts reaching across and trying to control the very things brigades are being forced to do just to survive.
At the end of the day, brigades will do what they can to ensure their communities have the resources and equipment needed to protect themselves from fire and other emergencies. CFA should either help, or at the very least get out of the way.
It is not until you look at CFA’s proposed finance policies from this perspective, that you start to appreciate the pent-up anger and frustration volunteers express towards CFA policy that just makes things harder.
I have yet to meet a brigade that does not believe in strong financial governance, and the importance of ensuring community funds are used responsibly and to best effect. But to think that this would be better achieved by pages and pages of policy and red tape just fails to pass muster.
The most frequent criticism by volunteers to the draft policies was the perception that CFA is trying to treat its volunteers as public servants. Many volunteers were perplexed at why it was so remarkable to think that policies written for a large government bureaucracy like the VPS, who spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer funds may look and be different to small community fire brigades that do their own fundraising and in of themselves generate more than $2.6 billion dollars of public value to the State of Victoria through their volunteer efforts alone. They are not a drain on the public purse, in fact they are one of the very few that actually add value back into the system.
Is it really such a foreign concept to state the obvious and ensure CFA volunteers are not treated like Victorian public servants? There are no government departments I am aware that pass around a hat to all its employees so the staff can donate their own money to buy the pens, paper and photocopier used in their government funded workplace. I don’t recall ever seeing a public servant giving up their personal time to fundraise for public donations so they could replace their government issued fleet vehicle. I don’t recall seeing police officers requested to buy their own guns or fundraise for their highway patrol cars. When were paramedics asked to buy their own first aid kits, defibrillators let alone their own ambulances? I also can’t remember seeing defence force personnel being asked to purchase their own dress uniforms. So why on earth would anyone think it is ok that volunteer firefighters should have to fight and fundraise to buy their own fire trucks, fire stations and protective equipment?
The volunteer feedback was littered with these comparisons and pointing out the tone deafness in some of the proposed policies. Volunteers must fund their own welfare account and annual awards nights. Excuse me? These examples start to illustrate and explain the depth of anger and frustration evident in the volunteer feedback to the draft policies. Not all the feedback was bad mind you, and many aspects of the policies were seen as common sense and practical, yet there were a handful of positions and policy statements that simply incensed volunteers, and fair enough too.
VFBV has now formally submitted its feedback to CFA and have requested the policies be reconsidered, and that the tone and language used throughout is less condescending. For example, rather than “permitting” brigades to apply for grants or sponsorship, we have suggested brigades should be empowered by being “authorised.”
VFBV has also reinforced its long-held position of desiring a minimally effective regulatory regime. In other words, we believe CFA policy to be more effective if red tape and bureaucracy is minimised, and that policy contains only the fewest number of rules, requirements, obligations and procedures to achieve the desired outcome. Additional obligations should only be imposed where there is a clear need, and a measurable benefit to justify its impost.
Volunteers have asked for greater flexibility, and for rules to better cater to the diverse range and size of brigades, rather than simply thinking a one size fits all will work for everyone. For example, a brigade financial plan for a large brigade is likely to look very different to a small brigade whose only income is their $350 annual brigade allowance.
Similarly, volunteers have opposed a ban on brigades being able to donate to worthy community causes such as a bushfire relief funds, especially from brigade income derived by volunteers providing their services under commercial arrangements, such as business paying for fire equipment maintenance and servicing of extinguishers.
This income is generated by volunteers on a fee for service basis, and its expenditure should remain at the discretion of the brigade. CFA often benefits from the community’s generosity, is it so hard to think brigades may want to pay that forward?
We will attempt to work constructively with CFA to revise the policies and will keep you informed of progress. We can’t do it without you though, and I again thank all those that provided their feedback. It has made a big difference and is being used to help affect real change.
Survey now open
This year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is open.
The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. All responses are confidential, but de-identified results go straight to decision makers. Help us make a difference.
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.
A high VolWEL is a sign that things are not working well, while a low VolWEL is a sign that things are working well. Any VolWEL over 2.0 indicates a large to critical gap is emerging and volunteers are highly dissatisfied with arrangements requiring priority attention.
Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey. Paper copies are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.
Joint Committee EOI
We are seeking expressions of interest from volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Committee’s for the 2024 calendar year.
If you feel you can contribute and have the time 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 20th November 2023.
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 Consultation
We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
These SOPs include: 6.02 Crew Composition (16 and 17 year olds); 6.05 Helmet identification; 9.15 Mayday and Hostile Acts Radio Signals; 9.32 Entrapment Procedure for Appliances; 10.03 Asbestos Incidents; and 14.06 Notification of Injuries and Fatalities.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to these documents.
VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.
The draft SOPs and closing dates are available from the VFBV website and your local District Council. Simple feedback surveys are also available to assist members provide feedback.
Feedback survey’s currently available are:
SOP 6.05 Helmet Identification – closes Monday 13 November
SOP 14.06 Notification of Injuries and Fatalities – closes Monday 13 November
SOP 6.02 Crew Composition (16 and 17 year olds) – closes Monday 4 December
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.
Board Elections
Following the October AGM, the VFBV Board has met and held its annual elections. Samantha Collins has been re-elected as State President, Andy Cusack AFSM has been re-elected as State Vice President, and Libby Hay has been re-elected as Treasurer.
State Council also welcomed two new Board members, Mandy Straw from District 5, and Danielle Watkins from District 9 who were appointed by the State Council Executive interview panel to replace retiring board members Jan Cleary and David Sidebottom.
Mandy is a volunteer firefighter with the Gazette Fire Brigade, DGO1 for Mt Rouse Group and Chair of the District 5 Health Safety and Environment Committee.
Danielle is a volunteer firefighter with the Warragul Fire Brigade and Chair of the South East regions Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council and rep to the District 9 DPC.
State Council also held elections for the two ex-officio members who are appointed by State Council for a one-year term to the VFBV Board, with both Graeme Jilbert (District 18) and Howard Smith (District 24) re-elected to the Board for a further term.
Congratulations to all office holders, and a warm welcome to both Mandy and Danielle to the Board and a very big thank-you to all retiring members for their valued contributions over the past year.
Emergency Services Foundation Scholarships
Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) Scholarships.
The ESF scholarship program provides an opportunity for volunteers and paid staff from Victoria’s emergency services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. ESF has also partnered with Rotary in 2023 to sponsor an additional two scholarships.
The focus of the ESF scholarships in recent years has shifted towards focusing on applications that address gaps in mental health and wellbeing knowledge.
Applications close 19 November 2023 and successful applicants will be announced by the end of the year.
For more information on the scholarships please visit the VFBV website.
Interstate Deployments
CFA are currently supporting deployments in three States.
Five strike teams are currently deployed into Queensland, as well as members contributing to three incident Management Teams (IMT’s) to support the resourcing for Toowoomba and Rockhampton regions.
CFA have also deployed four CFA air attack supervisors and one aircraft officer to Queensland, with another Air Attack Supervisor deployed to New South Wales.
Two volunteer instructors have also been deployed to the Northern Territory to assist in the training of Park Rangers and firefighters in Alice Springs and Darwin.
Thank-you to all members who have contributed or facilitated these interstate deployments. We wish all crews safe travels. Thank you to all remaining members who continue to remain behind and on-call within Victoria that allows these members to be deployed afar while our own communities remain protected. This is the benefit of volunteer surge capacity and the critical role it plays in not just keeping Victoria safe, but Australia as well.
Presumptive Legislation
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV is pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV is calling on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts.
We have published a national overview table on our website that allows members to compare each of the presumptive schemes in operation across the country. As you will see, Victoria is falling behind other jurisdictions.
VFBV is seeking the support of all government, opposition and minor party MP’s including independents to support the amendments introduced by the Greens, that would see Victoria’s scheme expanded to the same 21 cancers that the Tasmanian government has introduced.
Fire Wise – November 2023 online only edition
The November 2023 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 role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise 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
Open for Consultation Dashboard
2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey – Now Open
2024 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
Presumptive Legislation Update
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures
2023/24 Urban competitions and updated rule book
Emergency Services Foundation Scholarships
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.
We are tens of thousands of Victorians, committed to protecting lives and property.
We are skilled, determined and here to serve Victorians now and into the future.
We are from the community and for the community.
We are CFA.
Watch the 'Our Community, our CFA' video here.
Watch the short video to gain an appreciation and understanding of Victoria's iconic CFA, one of the largest and most professional volunteer emergency services in the world. Excerpts from the video journey are displayed below to help you reflect on the incredible fire service built by volunteers with selfless grit and determination to benefit their communities and the Victorian public.
 |
We are determined |
 |
We are community focused |
 |
We are trusted and reliable |
 |
We draw strength through diversity |
 |
Are made up of more than 50,000 committed members |
 |
Across 1,217 volunteer fire brigades |
 |
Proudly serving over 4 Million Victorians |
 |
Representing Victorian Spirit from every corner of the State |
 |
We respond to bushfires |
 |
...and house fires |
 |
We provide community education both before, during and after emergencies |
 |
We provide road crash rescue |
 |
And respond to more than 33,000 incidents every year |
 |
We respond wherever we're needed |
 |
We assist communities prepare for emergencies |
 |
Across more than 224,000 squared kilometers of Victoria |
 |
We are highly trained |
 |
We use research and evidence to guide our decision making |
 |
We provide valuable local knowledge before, during and after emergencies |
 |
We are experienced across all landscapes |
 |
We have broad and diverse skill sets |
 |
And have flexible and inclusive roles to encourage diversity of skills, people, thought and gender |
 |
We are born from the communities we serve providing strong community roots |
 |
We are focused on prevention... |
 |
...that stretches far beyond just initial emergency response |
 |
CFA has been operating for more than 75 years and volunteer fire brigades existed well before that |
 |
We have stood by our communities through Victoria's darkest days |
 |
We have evolved over time with our communities |
 |
We are a progressive emergency service |
 |
Adapting to changing climates and new threats |
 |
We are ready for the future and our next chapter as a proud fully volunteer fire service |
 |
Our people... |
 |
...are what makes... |
 |
...CFA what it is today |
 |
Our Community. Our CFA |
The 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey is now open for all CFA volunteers to take part.
The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. It is one of the key opportunities for CFA volunteers to have their voices both individually and collectively heard.
The results from the survey will directly influence the upcoming years priority actions while also tracking trends in volunteer opinion. VFBV’s advocacy for volunteers depends on robust volunteer feedback to help inform decision makers of the issues of most importance.
The survey takes only 10 – 15 minutes to complete and all answers and comments provided are confidential, but the results go straight to decision markers at CFA and Government.
The VFBV Volunteer 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. A summary of the 2022 survey results was published in the June 2023 edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement which can be downloaded here.
You can also help us by spreading the word and encouraging other volunteers to respond to the survey – the more responses, the more impact the results will have, so please encourage other volunteers to take part.
If you have any questions about the survey – please contact your local VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.
We are also able to send out paper copies of the survey to members who do not have internet access, 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. to arrange a copy to be posted out.
Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) Scholarships.
The ESF scholarship program provides an opportunity for volunteers and paid staff from Victoria’s emergency services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. ESF has also partnered with Rotary in 2023 to sponsor an additional two scholarships.
The focus of the ESF scholarships in recent years has shifted towards focusing on applications that address gaps in mental health and wellbeing knowledge.
ESF scholarships are not for the completion of tertiary or other qualifications, but instead scholarship funds are to be used for economy class air travel, travel insurance, accommodation and meal allowances while undertaking a study tour.
Scholarship recipients must complete a written report on their study as well as presenting findings of your study to the sector which may take place at the Emergency Management Conference, a webinar and social media.
Applications close 19 November 2023 and successful applicants will be announced by the end of the year.
To apply for a scholarship you will need to provide:
- details of the problem/issue you wish to study
- evidence of the problem/issue you have identified
- why you are interested in the topic
- objectives you want to achieve
- your intended travel destination(s) to undertake the study and why this location(s) were selected
- any relevant credentials you have
- proposed travel dates and quotes for travel insurance and air travel
- evidence of your application being supported by your agency.
For more information or to apply for a scholarship please visit the ESF website.
More...
You don’t need to be Einstein
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Honestly, there are days that an eye roll emoji just doesn’t cut it.
I refer to a gathering in Canberra of “key stakeholders” for a national disaster preparedness summit held on the 25th September. It is at this juncture I should inform you that judging from the invite list, apparently emergency service volunteer representatives are not considered by the Federal Government to be key stakeholders, even if they do represent 90% of Australia’s fire service workforce.
One therefore cannot be too surprised that one of the early announcements from this summit was that the Federal Government was considering a national paid “seasonal firefighting” force that would pay people to help out during national disasters. Apparently, this Canberra thought bubble was in response to the “worrying” decline in emergency service volunteer numbers across the country.
Quick memo – perhaps instead of thinking about band-aid solutions to fix declining volunteers, time would be better spent actually addressing the things making volunteers leave in the first place. Sprinkling precious tax payer funds on more wages when all volunteers want is a bit of respect and modern fire stations, trucks, clothing and equipment aptly fits Einstein’s definition of insanity.
Given I quoted Einstein last month, I am reminded of his quote: “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”
If emergency service volunteer representatives had of been invited, perhaps they would have said something along the lines of; well if you stopped treating us so badly, stopped suffocating us with all your bureaucracy, stopped starving us of funding and actually listened to us - maybe we would stop leaving.
Is it really that hard to figure out what is causing volunteers so much dissatisfaction?
Let me make it really simple; State Governments are doing emergency service volunteering on the cheap, and rather than the Federal Government holding them to account or supporting volunteers directly with some benchmarking, key performance indicators or backing us up with some much-needed funding, they distract with the usual shenanigans of summits and conferences.
For some politicians, volunteers are out of sight out of mind until they need us, and then when there are smoke plumes in the air, they fawn all over us like the second coming as they pose for their selfies while telling constituents how much they support volunteers.
Sorry, but talk is cheap.
A review of volunteer fire service budgets across the country shows the appalling state of support given across the country to our volunteer emergency services when compared to the billions of dollars sunk into their paid services. CFA’s budget was $807 million prior to fire services reform in 2020, dropping to $347 million last year. To put that into perspective, FRV’s overtime budget alone is now purportedly almost the equivalent to one-third of CFA’s entire annual budget. Imagine if FRV needed to run 1,214 CFA fire stations instead of the 85 they do currently.
Yet volunteers are forced to fundraise just to scrape up enough money to buy the very equipment and infrastructure they need to do the job they are being asked to do for free. All while paying the taxes that fund the other paid services.
So please don’t fall for the whole declining volunteerism mantra that some people try to spin as a self-fulfilling prophecy, as if it’s all these external factors and the decline is somehow inevitable. Rather, it has everything to do with how volunteers are treated. You don’t need to be Einstein to figure out volunteer organisations rely on high morale to attract and retain volunteers.
This is exactly why CFA was setup as a statutory authority in the first place. Back then, even Parliament knew getting the government to run a volunteer fire service would be a complete mess. If it’s well accepted that governments should not run private enterprise because they are just not any good at it – why do we think they would be any better at running a volunteer based emergency service? But over time, as the autonomy of a statutory authority has been whittled away, politics has been allowed to interfere, and public servants have been allowed to bring their forms and procedures and all the other things that stifle community innovation, can anyone be really surprised this might in fact be making volunteering unattractive?
If governments actually treated its emergency service volunteers with respect, funded them to the same levels as their paid services, provided them all the equipment and personal protective clothing they needed, built modern and functional fire stations, maintained and cleaned them, provided them with modern fire trucks that were not the oldest in Australia, and then shielded them from needless government bureaucracy, while providing them adequate instructors and training that could be delivered at times suitable for volunteers, well gee, maybe that might send the message that government actually supports emergency service volunteers and restore morale.
VFBV will continue to monitor fire service budgets and watch for any government cuts. We have recently become aware of some Districts and Regions claiming to cut programs due to budget cuts. At this point in time, we are not aware of any HQ mandated cuts, so please ensure you respond to any claim of cuts with a please explain, so we can track down who was responsible.
VFBV is not against efficiencies, or programs being redirected to try new things or bolster other programs where needs have changed. But as always, this should be done in consultation with volunteers. If District Planning Committees were not involved in these decisions – it is time to ask why not?
SUMMER PREPAREDNESS
Due to Victoria’s climate, flora and geography, we are one of the most fire prone places on the planet and therefore don’t need bad conditions to have a bad fire season. Even our mild seasons can be fairly ferocious. With this in mind, members are reminded that part of our commitment to safety and ensuring every volunteer arrives home safely, members are requested to complete their burn-over drill and ensuring your tree hazards awareness is up to date.
For the sake of your families and loved ones, even if you have decades of experience, please commit to completing the Chief Officer’s minimum requirements for the fire season ahead. Even if you know how to radio a mayday and activate the crew protection systems perfectly, perhaps you could assist the less experienced members of the crew by doing the burn over drill with them. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind that every person on the crew has refreshed their safety and survival skills for the season ahead.
PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION
VFBV is encouraging all political parties to support the expansion of Victoria’s firefighter presumptive legislation scheme.
Currently Victorian firefighters are only protected by presumption for 12 cancers, with the Commonwealth Government now recognising 20. Western Australia and the ACT have already introduced legislation to expand their schemes to 20, and Tasmania will be the first State to recognise 21. As at writing, the Victorian Government has only committed to expanding our scheme to include three additional cancers.
Members are reminded to please write, call and ask your local member of parliament where they stand on expanding Victoria’s presumptive legislation. A key way politicians can support their volunteer firefighters is to ensure that when they fall sick from the countless chemicals and hazards we face on our firegrounds, they are protected by presumptive legislation. Ask your local MP where they stand.
VALE
It was with a heavy heart that on September 5th we farewelled former District 14 Council President ex-Captain Chris Maries of Doreen Fire Brigade.
Chris commenced with Yarrambat Fire Brigade in 2002 before moving to Doreen, and amongst his many contributions to our fire services, Chris championed presumptive legislation for firefighters long before governments started accepting the scientific evidence from international jurisdictions. This was a cause he advocated fiercely for, long before its personal relevance became apparent in his later years.
To Chris’ family, friends, loved ones and fellow firefighters, I pass on our deepest condolences on behalf of the Association, as we fondly remember his distinguished service to his community and the people of Victoria.
Survey Now Open
This year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey will open early this month.
Volunteers may complete the survey as soon as its open by scanning the QR code below, or visiting the VFBV website. Paper copies are also available from the office and you can call (03) 9886 1141 to request a paper copy be posted to you.
SOP Consultation
Formal consultation has commenced on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures. (SOPs)
These SOPs include: 6.02 Crew Composition (16 and 17 year olds); 6.05 Helmet identification; 9.15 Mayday and Hostile Acts Radio Signals; 9.32 Entrapment Procedure for Appliances; 10.03 Asbestos Incidents; and 14.06 Notification of Injuries and Fatalities.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to these documents. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level. State Council is yet to determine closing dates for each of these SOPs, but CFA are requesting review as soon as possible in light of the upcoming fire season.
The draft SOPs and closing dates will be available from the VFBV website and your local District Council. Simple feedback surveys are also being developed to assist members provide 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.
FEM
VFBV has requested assistance from the Minister for Education, the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP to resolve the complete lack of engagement and consultation by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) in its move to a new centralised essential safety measures program.
Brigades have reported receiving letters from local government schools advising that due to the centralisation of essential safety measures under the VSBA, they had no choice but to terminate their contracts with their local volunteer brigade for the performance of this work.
With over 265 CFA brigades conducting accredited fire equipment maintenance (FEM) services across Victoria, the lack of engagement by the VSBA is most concerning.
FEM is not only a critical community safety initiative, but by using professionally trained volunteer firefighters to conduct this work rather than for-profit companies, means the revenue from these services provides essential fundraising for local brigades to invest in critical firefighting equipment that protects the wider community.
VFBV has sought the Minister’s assistance in ensuring the VSBA consider options to ensure CFA brigades can continue to provide this work.
Joint Committee EOI
Our expressions of interest process will open on the 8th October for volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Committee’s for the 2024 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 20th November 2023.
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.
Presumptive Legislation
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV is pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV is calling on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts.
We have published a national overview table on our website that allows members to compare each of the presumptive schemes in operation across the country. As you will see, Victoria is falling behind other jurisdictions.
VFBV is seeking the support of all government, opposition and minor party MP’s including independents to support the amendments introduced by the Greens, that would see Victoria’s scheme expanded to the same 21 cancers that the Tasmanian government has introduced.
Urban Champs Skills Workshop
Following the success of the skills workshop held in January this year, the Urban Competition and Rules Committee are holding another skills workshop prior to the commencement of the 2023/24 competition season.
The workshop will be held on Sunday 15 October at the Bendigo Competition Track beginning at 9.30am. The workshop is open to all current and prospective competitors, coaches, judges and officials.
Throughout the day workshops will be conducted with experienced coaches and competitors covering the use of the tray in B Section Hose & Reel events; rolling on; competitor safety; appliance, Marshall and junior events and different skills required as well as a presentation on CFA’s Behavioural Standards.
There will also be mentoring and coaching on the different judge and official roles including judge in the box, announcers, on track judging, ladder catching and starting.
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 9 October.
AGM
This year’s AGM will be held on Sunday 8 October, following State Council.
Please refer to page 2 of the last edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement for further details.
Fire Wise – October 2023 online only edition
The October 2023 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 role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise 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
Open for Consultation Dashboard
2024 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest
Presumptive Legislation Update
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures
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 six updated Standard Operating Procedures. (SOP's)
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
- SOP 6.02 Crew Composition (16 and 17 year olds)
- SOP 6.05 Helmet Identification
- SOP 9.32 Bushfire - Entrapment Procedures for Appliances
- SOP 9.15 Mayday and Hostile Acts Radio Signals
- SOP 10.03 Asbestos Incident
- SOP 14.06 Notification of Injuries and Fatalities
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.
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:
SOP 6.05 and SOP 14.06 are due Monday 13th November, 2023
SOP 6.02, SOP 9.15, SOP 9.32 and SOP 10.03 are due Monday 4th December, 2023
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.
- 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
- For those that prefer to answer a survey to provide feedback, individual survey's are currently being developed and will be available shortly.
The Survey for SOP 6.05 Helmet Identification is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/hdBtcy
The Survey for SOP 14.06 Notification of Injuries and Fatalities is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/pMBcXb
The Survey for SOP 6.02 Crew Composition (16 and 17 Year Olds) is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/LNBtcr
The Survey for SOP 9.15 Mayday and Hostile Acts Radio Signals is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/gCBcXQ
The Survey for SOP 9.32 Bushfire - Entrapment Procedures for Appliances is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/heBcH1
The Survey for SOP 10.03 Asbestos Incidents is available here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/vGBtd3
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.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
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.
For several years now VFBV has been active in calling for support for the expansion of Victoria’s Presumptive Legislation scheme. We have campaigned strongly for female reproductive cancers to be added to Victoria’s presumptive legislation, championed by former MP Tania Maxwell through her private members Bill in May of last year, and further expansion following the Commonwealth Governments expansion of the federal scheme in December of last year.
In June of this year, the Minister for Emergency Services the Hon. Jaclyn Symes announced her intent to expand Victoria’s scheme to include the three female reproductive cancers. The VFBV Board formally commended this announcement and acknowledged the Minister’s personal contribution and advocacy in pursuing these changes.
The Government formally introduced legislation to expand Victoria's presumptive legislation on the 15th August 2023, through an omnibus bill called the "Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2023." This bill makes changes to a number of bills relating to Courts, Coroners Act, and the Children, Youth and Families Act while also amending the Firefighters' Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2019 which deal with presumptive legislation.
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV has been pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV has called on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts, noting that the Tasmania and Western Australian Governments have also announced they are adding the additional cancers to their own schemes.
Acknowledging the similarity of exposure to hazards by all firefighters and given how frequently Victorian firefighters assist their interstate colleagues, it is VFBV’s desire for the prescribed cancers covered under presumptive legislation to be as uniform as possible across Australia.
VFBV supports any efforts to expand Victoria’s presumptive legislation scheme to include these additional cancers.
*** UPDATED 5th October 2023 ***
The "Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2023" was passed by the lower house on the 31st August 2023. It entered the Upper House on the same day as a first reading. During the upper house passage, the Greens Party introduced an amendment to the Bill that sought to expand the list of cancers to pick up the three cancers the Victorian Government had agreed to add, as well as the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth scheme last year. VFBV supported this amendment.
Denate resumed on the Bill on the 3rd October 2023, and the Bill and associated amendments went to a vote on the 3rd October.
The ten MP's who supported the Greens amendments to expand presumptive legislation elements of the Bill were:
- Samantha Ratnam MP (Greens)
- Katherine Copsey MP (Greens)
- Sarah Mansfield MP (Greens)
- Aiv Puglielli MP (Greens)
- Jeff Bourman MP (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Victoria)
- Moria Deeming MP (Independent)
- David Limbrick MP (Libertarian Party)
- Rachel Payne MP (Legalise Cannabis Victoria)
- Georgie Purcell MP (Animal Justice Party)
- Rickie-Lee Tyrrell MP (Pauline Hanson's One Nation)
VFBV thanks these MP's for their support.
Unfortunately - Labor, Liberal and National Party MP's voted against the amendments, meaning there were 24 votes against. As a result, the Bill was passed without amendment.
While VFBV welcomes the additions of the three female reproductive cancers, we are continuing to urge and encourage all political parties to support the expansion of Victoria’s firefighter presumptive legislation scheme. The Greens have their own private members bill that will seek to expand the scheme to full list of 21 cancers that we are seeking support for.
With passage of the Justice Amendment Bill, Victorian firefighters will only be protected by presumption for 15 cancers (up from 12), with the Commonwealth government now recognising 20. Western Australia and the ACT have already introduced legislation to expand their schemes to 20, and Tasmania will be the first State to recognise 21.
Members are reminded to please write, call and ask your local member of parliament where they stand on expanding Victoria’s presumptive legislation. A key way politicians can support their volunteer firefighters is to ensure that when they fall sick from the countless chemicals and hazards we face on our firegrounds, they are protected by presumptive legislation. Ask your local MP where they stand on the full expansion of Victoria's presumptive legislation.
VFBV has prepared a national table to assist members understand what cancers are covered by which State's, and to help members advocate for Victorian firefighters not to be left behind. You can download the table from the bottom of this page.
*** UPDATED 7th November 2023 ***
The Tasmanian Government have passed their expansion of Tasmania's Presumptive Legislation, with Royal Assent granted on Tuesday 7th November 2023.
Tasmanian firefighters (both volunteer and career) now enjoy Australia's strongest presumptive rights scheme in the country, covering firefighter's for 21 cancers scientifically linked to be caused by exposures involved in firefighting.
In Victoria, Victorian firefighters are only protected by presumption for 15 cancers, compared to 21 cancers in Tasmanian, and 20 cancers in Western Australia, the ACT and federally employed firefighters such as aviation.
The Greens have introduced a private members bill to expand Victoria's scheme to the full 21 cancers. Volunteers are reminded to ask their local MP whether they support Victorian firefighters by supporting the Greens private member's bill and asking them how they will vote.
***UPDATED 1st March 2024***
QLD is the latest State to expand its firefighter presumptive legislation scheme to pick up the additional cancers added to the Commonwealth scheme in 2022. This now aligns QLD, TAS, WA, NT and ACT, leaving Victoria falling further behind.
VFBV continues pursuing further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
2024 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 2023 VFBV/CFA Joint Committees.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to submit your expression of interest to your local District Council for endorsement by Monday 13th November 2023.
VFBV/CFA Joint Committees are a critical part of the consultative framework, offering a direct line of communication between volunteers and the state-level decision makers within the CFA.
If you feel you have a passion for one of the eight 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 (formerly Volunteerism) |
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 (formerly Operations) |
Policy, doctrine and standards to ensure continuous improvement including service delivery standards, safe operating procedures and lessons learned. |
| People, Culture and Safety (formerly HR, Welfare and OH&S) |
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 (formerly Communications and Technology) |
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. (2024 proposed meeting schedule below)
- Relevant subject matter expertise and the ability to actively contribute to the Committees work with a State-wide view of issues.
- A network outside their own brigade which will 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 13th November 2023, to allow time for the District Council prioritisation process prior to submission to the VFBV Executive Officer by Monday 20th November 2023.
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 2024 Joint Committee Meeting Dates
(These have not yet been endorsed, and are subject to change)
|
Round One Meetings
|
Saturday 24th February 2024 Sunday 25th February 2024 Saturday 6th April 2024 Sunday 7th April 2024 |
|
Round Two Meetings
|
Saturday 29th June 2024 Sunday 30th June 2024 Saturday 6th July 2024 Sunday 7th July 2024 |
|
Round Three Meetings
|
Saturday 24th August 2024 Sunday 25th August 2024 Saturday 7th September 2024 Sunday 8th September 2024 |
|
Round Four Meetings
|
Saturday 23rd November 2024 Sunday 24th November 2024 Saturday 30th November 2024 Sunday 1st December 2024 |
