Consultation and Development of Review of the Emergency a new Emergency Services Act Services Acts Michelle Smith Regional Roadshow 4 November 2012 February – March 2013 WA Fire and Emergency Services Conference 2012 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Agenda: Consultation and Development of � History of the legislation a new Emergency Services Act � Reasons for review � Background � Review process Michelle Smith � General categories to consider � Making a submission 4 November 2012 WA Fire and Emergency Services Conference 2012 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Currently: � Fire Brigades Act 1942 � Bush Fires Act 1954 � Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998 (formerly the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 ) Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
1942
1942 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
1942 courtesy DFES Heritage Collection Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Brigades Act 1942 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
1954
1954 courtesy DFES Heritage Collection Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Bush Fires Act 1954 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
1998
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 (now renamed the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998 ) Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Reason for review: � Our current legislation is complex � It does not reflect the vital ways our emergency services organisations interact and rely on each other � Our aim is to make it simpler and more reflective of how we serve our communities today Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Reason for review: � Recent major incidents have highlighted problems with the legislation Example: • handover of control at the most critical point of an incident • management of communications and evacuations Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Background: � October 2006 – CDJSC’s Report on the Inquiry into Fire and Emergency Services Legislation Since this report… Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Background: � Cyclones George & Jacob – March 2007 � Boorabbin Fire – December 2007 � Toodyay Fire – December 2009 � Perth Hail Storm – March 2010 � Kalgoorlie Earthquake – April 2010 � Perth Hills & Lake Clifton Fires – February 2011 � Margaret River Fire – November 2011 Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Review process: 1. Preliminary Consultation (this phase) 2. Development of Draft Options Paper 3. Consultation of Draft Options Paper 4. Parliamentary Drafting Process Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Preliminary Consultation: � This is truly a blank slate – information gathering � We are working with associations and agencies to coordinate submissions � Road shows, meetings, conference calls, emails Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Some General Categories to Consider: � Functions (who does what and when) � Powers (tools to help us do our jobs) � Incident Control (first on scene to escalation) Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Some General Categories to Consider: � Career and volunteer protection � Training (cost, delivery, standards) � Fuel load management and enforcement (across the different land types) Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Functions: � Clearly sets out agency functions to ensure that overlaps and potential conflicts can be recognised and managed Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Powers: Identify and provide appropriate powers for agencies such as: � Emergency prevention powers � Emergency response powers (including evacuation) � Investigative powers � Inspection powers � Enforcement and compliance powers Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Incident control: � Primary control of emergencies � Handover of control of bushfire � All forms of emergency – structure fire, road crash rescue, cyclone, marine rescue, etc. Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics How do we look after our volunteers? � What are the challenges and opportunities that arise within the changing landscape? Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Training: � How do we address challenges and opportunities with regard to training career and volunteer personnel? Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Hot Topics Fuel load management and enforcement: � Gazetted districts � DEC-managed lands � Unallocated Crown Land � Remote Indigenous Communities Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation We need and value your knowledge: � What do we mean by a submission? � Brief context – How did it arise? � Main issue/challenge/success � Comment/suggestion/solution � What are the ways you can make a submission? Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation Contact us: DFES Legislation Review Michelle Smith Emergency Services Complex A/Project Manager 20 Stockton Bend (08) 9395 9763 Cockburn Central PERTH WA 6164 Taryn Boot Administration Officer PO Box P1174 (08) 9395 9596 PERTH WA 6844 legislation@dfes.wa.gov.au Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Services Legislation How do we keep you informed: � What are the best ways to keep you updated? Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services
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