Submitted by Alan Hawke, Vice President South
Many SES volunteers identify themselves as DFES volunteers, but that description does not accurately reflect the legal relationship.
In Western Australia, SES volunteers are generally members of gazetted SES units, most of which are incorporated associations governed by their own Rules under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA).
Those Rules are not guidelines or suggestions—they are legally binding on both the association and its members. Understanding this distinction is essential to understanding how SES units operate, how disputes are resolved, and why governance, leadership and communication matter so much within volunteer organisations.
This article explores the legal framework underpinning SES units, the role of the FES Commissioner, the importance of association Rules, and why effective leadership requires more than simply managing emergencies—it requires listening to, respecting and supporting volunteers.