News 
Issue 14: October 2015
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 28/06/15)
ROLE OF GROUP
The Chief Officer advised that he received advice from an internal working group whom he had tasked with reviewing the Role of Group booklet with a recommendation that distribution proceed.
The Chief has accepted this recommendation, and advises that the Role of Group publication will now be distributed to brigades and groups with a cover letter highlighting the sections of legislation that have changed since the publication was printed.
With the importance of local knowledge at the forefront, the Committee reinforced the need for there to be focussed attention on strengthening the role of groups and building what capability may have been unintentionally lost from the past. The Chief has requested that CFA start preparing briefing and support documents to assist with the dissemination over the next 3 to 4 months.
0.00 BLOOD ALCOHOL FOR CODE 1 EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRIVING
The Chief Officer is writing to DPCs to seek advice on what brigade impacts would arise from the proposed 0.00 BAC policy for code 1 driving.
The Committee has requested the Chief Officer prepare a volunteer impact assessment on the policy to identify the impacts the policy would have on what is effectively a 24/7 on call workforce. The Committee notes advice that VicPol have their own existing arrangements, flexibility and exemptions to cater for Police members who are off duty and recalled, as well as some on call units and have asked for CFA to investigate options for their inclusion in CFA’s proposed policies.
Members are requested to advise your DPC representatives of your brigade’s views and/or impacts so that discussion at the DPC level are informed of grass root feedback and views.
LOW VOLTAGE FUSE REMOVAL
The Chief Officer has supported the re-introduction of Low Voltage Fuse Removal (LVFR) as a core CFA activity supported by adequate funding and training programs.
There has been an ongoing demand from the field to continue this training as it is seen as a vital skill for brigades, particularly for those brigades who are remote from services provided by the electricity suppliers. The Committee has long advocated this position which has largely been driven by the safety considerations of creating a safer work environment for our firefighters by removing the low voltage fuse. To this end, the Chief Officer has proposed an extension to members who currently hold Low Voltage Fuse Removal competencies to ensure members remain current whilst an updated LVFR training package is being finalized, and refresher training programs are rolled out.
The Chief will shortly be writing to OMs and OOs with details of the program and his approval of extension for current competencies.
COMPOSITE STRIKE TEAMS
The Chief has supported the Committee’s request for an “Intent Statement” and guiding principles for those occasions that involve the integration of staff and Volunteers.
Two constant recurring issues that are raised each year has been different local interpretations of crewing requirements of Strike Teams, and the use of Volunteers in Division and Sector Command roles when crews are made up of both Volunteers and staff. The use of AIIMS within CFA makes “Rank” completely invisible, yet local interpretation and practices frequently try to assert rank and pay status back into arrangements, that are contrary to the principles outlined in the Chief Officer’s Capstone and Service Delivery Principles.
The Chief has indicated he intends to make it very clear how integrated teams will work and integrate at all levels of the organisation, and the responsibility of management and key leaders to promote an inclusive working environment.
