A Strategic Discussion Paper – by an SES volunteer
The paper argues that Western Australia’s long‑standing volunteer-based emergency services model is under serious strain, as declining volunteer numbers, poor retention, increasing administrative burdens, and organisational practices that undervalue volunteer skills are eroding capability.
Despite volunteers providing enormous economic and community value, their competencies are often questioned or invalidated through rigid training-currency rules and automated systems that presume skill decay, while experienced local volunteers are frequently sidelined during major incidents in favour of incoming paid staff.
These practices, combined with growing time pressures and insufficient recognition of volunteers ’ expertise, local knowledge, and community role, are accelerating the loss of seasoned volunteers whose experience cannot simply be replaced through recruitment.
The paper warns that without meaningful improvements in respect, inclusion, competency recognition, and genuine support, Western Australia risks losing the cultural foundation and operational capacity that its emergency services have long relied upon.
Read the Paper here