David Jones Inquiry 2011

VFBV is preparing submissions and information for the David Jones Inquiry into CFA Arrangements Affecting Volunteers, announced by Deputy Premier Peter Ryan on Wednesday, 23 March 2010.

We encourage all members to provide us with first hand examples of how any arrangements within CFA, including policy and procedures, their interpretation and implementation by local management,  resourcing decisions and priorities and any knock on affects, have negatively impacted volunteers and their brigades. There has been widespread controversy and concern over the past few years on the impact of industrial arrangements on volunteers – examples of how such arrangements and/or their application have affected volunteers should also be submitted. Suggestions on practical ways of fixing these problems are also welcome. Equally, members should submit examples of arrangements that work to support volunteers and suggestions on how to build on or expand these positives.

It is important for any followup to the information supplied to include your name, brigade and contact details - phone numbers, email and postal address of those providing information as well as others who can support or add to the information. If the information supplied is lengthy/detailed the report should include a small summary (this will help us collate the information).

To provide submissions and information for inclusion with VFBV's submission, members should email VFBV at 2011cfainquiry@vfbv.com.au  It would be useful if you also sent your District Council Executive a copy to assist in building broader consideration of such matters.

Members may also submit submissions directly to the Inquiry via the following website.

If you have questions regarding this project you should contact Peter Beaton at the VFBV office on 03 9886-1141 or 0419 504-111.

The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are attached.

 

As a prompt in considering this matter it may be useful to consider the following:

A. What do volunteers need / want to do their job & maintain and strengthen volunteer capacity regarding:

  • Training – type, access & availability (to undertake CFA roles)
  • Infrastructure & Equipment
  • Personal Support
  • Brigade / Operational Support
  • Recruitment & Retention (Inc training related to personal development useful both within CFA and in non-CFA life/career)
  • Respect – how demonstrated
  • Other (specify)

From (as applicable):

  • paid operations staff
  • paid non-operations staff
  • management
  • non staff resources
  • Other (specify)

B. Specify the impediments to providing for these needs (identifying relevant clauses or parts of agreements, policies, decisions, and/or examples).  For example are they:

  • Availability of appropriate staff / contractors / resources
  • Parts of policy or procedures and/or  their interpretation/application
  • Direct clauses or parts of industrial agreements
  • Knock-on effects of industrial agreements
  • Resource allocation priorities by management
  • Organisational culture (endemic attitudes)
  • Other

This is just an initial guide for your consideration of issues that should be raised with the Jones Inquiry.

Terms of Reference for the Jones Inquiry

1. To examine the effect of arrangements made by the CFA on the recruitment, training, deployment, utilisation and support of CFA volunteers, including:

1.1 The availability and accessibility of general or specialist training to volunteers so that CFA can both maximise the utilisation of volunteers and realise volunteer potential (for example, through training for senior incident management roles);

1.2 Impediments to the ability for CFA Volunteers to undertake any role within the CFA;

1.3 Matters pertaining to the capacity for CFA volunteers to be appointed as employees of CFA, including:
(a) Any impediments to such appointments resulting from qualification or eligibility requirements; and
(b) The availability and accessibility of training to volunteers which may make them eligible for appointment to any role;

1.4 Mechanisms to enable and ensure that volunteer voices are heard and their experience utilised in accordance with CFA’s commitment under the Volunteer Charter, including on matters relating to:
(a) The choice of, and use of, equipment;  
(b) The provision of support to brigades.

1.5 The availability and utilisation of mechanisms, procedures or processes to resolve disputes which might reasonably be expected to affect the interests of CFA volunteers, in an expeditious manner.

2. To make recommendations to address any shortcomings or difficulties identified as a result of the examination of the subject matter contained in term of reference 1.

 

 

VFBV