The Andrews Labor Government will establish a Country Fire Authority Performance and Policy Consultative Committee, uniting career firefighters, volunteers and management to improve the CFA’s performance and culture.
The CFA Committee will be modelled on the Ambulance Performance and Policy Consultative Committee established in the wake of the ambulance crisis that worked to produce Victoria’s Ambulance Action Plan to improve services and save lives.
The committee will work on an agreed set of priorities to improve its performance and culture, including issues such as:
- Improving culture and diversity within the organisation
- Ways to increase recruitment and retention of women firefighters
- Harnessing innovation and ways to deliver better services
- Recognising and valuing the work of volunteers and career firefighters
- Health and wellbeing of firefighters
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley will be a member of the committee, and his work in monitoring the implementation of the Enterprise Agreement and strengthening volunteer firefighting will guide the committee’s work.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Better fire services mean a safer Victoria – this is ultimately about putting the safety of our career and volunteer firefighters, and our community first.”
“It’s clear there needs to be a fundamental culture shift in the CFA – and this is a real opportunity to address those challenges facing our state’s emergency services.”
“A new board and new consultative committee will bring together volunteer and career firefighters, management and the Government to build a better culture and ultimately provide safety and certainty for all Victorians.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020