Dear Mr Cook,
In early June I wrote to the Premier seeking his support in his capacity as the Minister for Public Sector Management to implement a policy of leave for government sector employees engaging in emergency service volunteering.
The Australian Government implemented such a policy following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires providing their employees with 20 days of emergency response leave per annum and further leave entitlement on application.
I have asked the Premier to consider extending this leave provision to not just emergency response, but also to those volunteers engaging in training and other professional development.
Whilst I recognise that some State agencies and government trading entities support emergency volunteers, this is often in an ad hoc way, and it is time to formalise such arrangements across government to ensure equity and demonstrate support for their service.
I attach to this email a copy of my letter to the Premier which has to date gone unanswered, as well as a media statement and op-ed which I have issued regarding this matter. I would welcome feedback on this and other initiatives to support emergency service volunteers in Western Australia.
Yours sincerely
HON MARTIN ALDRIDGE MLC
Media Release | 26 JULY 2022
Hon Martin Aldridge MLC
Shadow Emergency Services Minister
Government must introduce Paid Emergency Response Leave
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Martin Aldridge MLC has called for the State Government to establish dedicated leave arrangements for recognised emergency service volunteers working in the public sector.
While Federal public service employees were made eligible for up to 20 days paid leave to respond to emergencies following the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, Mr Aldridge said no provision existed to cover public sector workers in WA.
“In WA there is no requirement to pay for an emergency volunteer to attend emergencies, meaning any volunteers who respond to emergency events do so at their own personal cost, sacrificing work and income,” Mr Aldridge said.
“While volunteers don’t take on these roles expecting to be paid, introducing emergency response leave for WA’s 214,000 public sector workers – particularly at a time when the cost-of-living burden is so high for so many, would alleviate the financial pressure on these volunteers.”
Mr Aldridge said paid leave could help to attract and retain volunteers, especially in regional areas, where volunteers were often the first and only response in an emergency.
“Regional volunteers have told me they want to see the State Government do more to provide support amidst dwindling numbers, an ageing volunteer demographic, and increased training and administrative demands,” he said.
“This simple measure, which could easily be accommodated within the State Government’s $5.7 billion budget surplus, would provide greater support and recognition to existing volunteers, and may encourage more public sector workers to take up the call and become volunteers.”
Mr Aldridge said while the policy would not apply to the private sector, it was important for the State Government to lead by example.
“Given WA’s vulnerability to cyclones, floods, and dangerous fire events, and our reliance on a volunteer response to these disasters, it’s a prudent decision for the State and brings us into alignment with existing Federal policy.”
Mr Aldridge said the State Government should also ensure leave arrangements could be utilised to cover training and travel requirements.
“The training burden on emergency service volunteers is ever-increasing with many in regional WA having to travel to maintain or improve their skills. The time expended by volunteers in attending this compulsory training is also voluntary.”
Mr Aldridge has recently written to the Premier asking for his support to implement a Paid Emergency Services Leave policy.
HON MARTIN ALDRIDGE MLC
Member for the Agricultural
RegionShadow Minister for Emergency Services; Regional Health;
Road Safety; Volunteering; Regional Communications
Hon Mark McGowan MLA
Minister for Public Sector Management
Via email: wa-government@dpc.wa.gov.au
8 June 2022
Dear Premier
PAID EMERGENCY RESPONSE LEAVE
I write to seek your support in establishing dedicated leave arrangements for recognised emergency service volunteers in Western Australia.
As I am sure you are aware, the role of volunteering in the emergency services sector is significant. In fact, in many regional communities emergency response capability is undertaken entirely by a volunteer workforce.
In the aftermath of the devastating 2019-20 ‘black summer’ bush fire season, the then Prime Minister issued a Direction under section 21(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 (Cwth) – granting paid leave to APS employees who are members of a recognised volunteer service and are deploying as part of an emergency service response (the Direction).
The Direction provides a minimum of 20 working days or 28 calendar days of paid leave for APS volunteers per calendar year, although additional paid leave may be granted upon request. I am also aware of this policy being applied in corporate settings, however this is presently a gesture of goodwill on behalf of these employers.
Whilst I think this presents a sound opportunity to align the leave provisions available to commonwealth public service employees with those working in the State public sector, I would ask that you consider extending leave to recognised training and professional development opportunities.
The training burden on emergency service volunteers is ever-increasing with many in regional WA having to travel to maintain or improve their skills. Approving paid leave from the public sector to engage in preparing for and responding to emergencies in the community would have my full support and I strongly encourage you to support such a change.
Thank you for considering this matter and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
(Signed Martin Aldridge)
HON MARTIN ALDRIDGE MLC
Member for the Agricultural Region
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services; Volunteering.
cc: Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Emergency Services, Volunteering
cc: Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Industrial Relations
21 Binda Place
(PO Box 255)
BINDOON WA 6502 Free: 1800 336 905
martin.aldridge@mp.wa.gov.au