From the President

Looking ahead, where are we going and what is our future for the SES in WA?

I know SES volunteers are regularly asking the Association these questions and regrettably we can provide the VA Policy from your feedback that has been shared with DFES and our political partners.

The number one question is, ’When is the Consolidated Emergency Services Legislation being released in draft form for comment?’ We along with other volunteer associations just don’t know. The combined five associations have not been involved and are excluded in its development.

No, I don’t know why. It would make sense to work through any issues during the drafting process. The standard statement is that we can comment when the draft is released. I trust we will be given enough time to consult with all communities to ensure their needs are met locally, not just from the metro area.

Thank you to all the SES Units that provided comment and a decision at unit level on your wishes with the “Fitness for Role” project. Two out of three units said no to the application of the physical testing because it is not resourced at the local level to enable the requirements to be safely met. Furthermore, there are four other volunteer services that should have the same conditions of service, not just the SES. Talks with DFES and a formal comment back to all units are coming shortly.

Another ongoing discussion with government is the right to presumptive support for PTSD. We believe that if you are an employee with the emergency services, as part of the workers compensation conditions, these workers are entitled to presumptive PTSD coverage, like that of Presumptive Cancer entitlements.

Volunteers have access to presumptive protection for cancer but not for PTSD. We will continue to advocate for SES members to receive the same coverage as paid employees. I trust this push back is due to the likely cost impost. When you consider the Gross Domestic Product contribution of the emergency service volunteers, it’s a drop in the ocean. Cost benefit analysis says, ”take care of us”.

Thank you so much again for your continued volunteer service to our communities and I reinforce that the state cannot meet its emergency management responsibilities without the very large volunteer workforce. You are gold!

Greg Cook
President, SES Volunteers Association