Meeting with Premier and Minister
The State Emergency Service Volunteers Association appreciates the WA government approach to consultation to the Federal volunteer compensation scheme. The Association President, Mr Greg Cook and the other four Association Presidents were invited to meet with the Premier, the Minister, the Commissioner and the Chief of Staff, Commissioners Office.
It was not what we expected. A few basic questions from the Premier to gain our collective thoughts which stimulated a great conversation between all attendees. I think we all may have learned some new sea faring terminology.
Simply put, the Association is seeking a position with the State that will see that volunteers are not out of pocket when attending emergency incidents. No we don’t what to get paid and destroy the ethos of volunteering. This is critical important to maintain our community’s resilience and encourage broad participation for all the right reasons.
A growing issue was also raised at the meeting that there is an increasing number of non-genuine charity collections based on the eastern states fires. If you or your unit are made aware of any of these practices, please notify the Association or DFES.
While we were on the subject of hardship, it was also discussed that many of the donations that are being received possibly could be channelled into the volunteer hardship scheme. As a way of consultation, the attending Associations warmly received and endorsed this position and the benefits that it will bring to SES Volunteers.
