At the 2016 Ferguson inquiry into the Waroona Bushfires, we submitted that the SES would be better led by an independent Chief officer. This person would need to come from an SES background so that they not only have the subject matter knowledge in the context of the SES but also could empathise with the SES Volunteers. This was repeated at the 2017 Economic Regulation Authority inquiry into the ESL.
The SESVA are an active part of an alliance which includes WA Farmers, PGA, ESVA and others. We are very concerned that if a fully independent Rural Fire Service is formed that not only will the cost be enormous but that the SES may be merged into another service.
It is now timely for SES Units and SES Volunteers to send a letter to the Minister for Emergency Services supporting the attached structure. We ask that as many people as possible urgently do this.
In that letter you can quote your reasons and/or any of the below dot points:
- Empathy with the SES Volunteers
- Subject matter knowledge in the context of the SES
- Training aimed at SES requirements
- Representation nationally to have common training
Address for the Minister is:
The Honourable Minister for Emergency Services
The Hon. Fran Logan, MLA
10th Floor Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005
And can be emailed to
Minister.Logan@dpc.wa.gov.au
Cheers
Gordon Hall
President
SES Volunteers Association (inc.)
