SA Firefighter
General Discussion => Country Fire Service => Topic started by: Crankster 34 on January 14, 2010, 03:33:43 PM
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I hear that a few brigades, lead by a couple of Region One Group Officers made a visit with appliances to the Emergency Services ministers office today.
Sounds like the meeting was a warning, with a bit of a list of things that we need i.e. better stations, more money for paid staff for training, an actual increase in brigade budgets instead of the decrease we have seen over the last few years, more tankers in the hills etc.
I believe the people involved got their point across, also pointing out that there is a major international sporting event about to be held in Adelaide and that next Sunday there could be a large rally of CFS resources at this event. There is talk about one strike team from each nearby Group.
Todays event was not designed to attract any media attention, but with sirens and lights going at a big event in the middle of the city I think there is sure to be some considerable attention given to our situation.
Well done to those involved, I think this is only the beginning of what could be a promising campaign in the lead up to a state election.
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Again Well done CFS, at last some substantial moves being taken.
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What is the protest going to be about?
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Funding.
- for training and the staffing to deliver it.
- for the stations beyond the metro fringe & large centres that don't even have a toilet, let alone somewhere to wash hands afterwards.
- for staff to do the paperwork that public servicedom currently demands volunteer officers waste their time doing
- for staff to put together a really broad-scale public fire safety education programme
- for pagers so that every active fire-fighter can have one
- for staff to do the work that new legislation has handed to Regions
- for staff to do the work that regions were not staffed for before the extra native veg assessment stuff
Maybe they should even think about paying staff sensible wages so that the best & brightest can afford to stay long-term. The disparity between CFS & every other Govt department or agency is a very poor joke.
That's the stuff I can think of in 30 seconds. I'm sure others can add to it.
cheers
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<musing out loud> the strike team idea would be the way to do it.
Zero notice of intent would make it harder to block.
One thing we do very well in CFS is bring together large numbers of people at very short notice
(even if we can't afford to train them properly for all that is expected of them).
Sunday afternoon 24th Jan. somewhere in the city (where the newsies will be).
Much less inconvenient to members than Friday afternoon...
My diary says I'm free.
People, only 9 weeks to an election.
Time to write letters.
Time to ring your local pollie.
Time to ACT.
(unless you're just a whiner, in which case you what you deserve from the govt... Nothing at all.)
Happy New Year
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So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?
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dont believe the paid staff are part of the union???
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So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?
The unfortunate aspect is that the staff become members of the PSU and within that PS EB, CFS staff are treated with a small provision for CFS paid level officers where as the those under other awards (ASO or PO) do get paid a bit better. I only know this as I am member of the PS and consiering that the CFS has a small amount of staff that for an agency that has one award they do get over looked in the EB process.
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So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?
<shrug>
I know not & care less.
Neither do I speak for the association
From this volunteer's perspective, more staff (properly funded for their roles)
and better pay for them are good things.
cheers
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Make sure only non-dual cabs & preferably pre-1990's appliances go on parade if they do ;)
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And there's plenty of them around!!
Pip
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I think those handsome devils went down there without telling anyone not the CFS or the VFBA and the intent was to let the pollies know that their actions are being watched closely by volunteers at grass roots level.."where the rubber meets the road"
Just make sure that if we have to go down there and show some backbone dont let your fellow volunteers down by saying "oh no the govt will get angry at us" and not showing up... Lofty Group is committed to making a difference!!
I actually didnt want to say this but it captures the mood quite well ..."United we stand...."
cheers
R
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Strength in unity....
A friendly reminder to them, no volunteers, no CFS.
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I think those handsome devils went down there without telling anyone not the CFS or the VFBA and the intent was to let the pollies know that their actions are being watched closely by volunteers at grass roots level.."where the rubber meets the road"
Just make sure that if we have to go down there and show some backbone dont let your fellow volunteers down by saying "oh no the govt will get angry at us" and not showing up... Lofty Group is committed to making a difference!!
I actually didnt want to say this but it captures the mood quite well ..."United we stand...."
cheers
R
Hehe good stuff, but im gladd we're not in China...censorship would be in effect :P
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Next Catastrophic rated day everyone just sit home ignore the pager. Mite get the attention of the current government.... :-P
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<musing out loud> the strike team idea would be the way to do it.
Zero notice of intent would make it harder to block.
One thing we do very well in CFS is bring together large numbers of people at very short notice
(even if we can't afford to train them properly for all that is expected of them).
Sunday afternoon 24th Jan. somewhere in the city (where the newsies will be).
Much less inconvenient to members than Friday afternoon...
My diary says I'm free.
People, only 9 weeks to an election.
Time to write letters.
Time to ring your local pollie.
Time to ACT.
(unless you're just a whiner, in which case you what you deserve from the govt... Nothing at all.)
Happy New Year
Any action taken to highlight the current situation unfortunately needs to be done on a weekday due to the number of persons in town on the day, so it gets large attention. March down the street and then out the from of the ministers
office or parliment house.
That way you'll get better media coverage and public awarness.
Everyone needs to get on board for a united effort like the Construction industry boy's did when little Jack Boot Johnny changed industrial laws and started treating them like criminals because they stand up for their rights and safety conditions on building sites!
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Except on Sunday 24th Jan when the finale of the Big Bike Race will be on in the CBD...
:evil:
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Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!
:-D
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Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!
:-D
We wouldn't want to rain on RANNS parade now would we :-P
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An interesting side effect to this current campaign.
Our guys were at our local Bunnings running the BBQ over the weekend and rattling the tin, apparently a number of people came up to them and said stuff like "it's disgraceful that you are so under funded" and threw money into the tin.
Not sure if they would have donated money anyway, but it seems that at least some of the public are taking notice of the media attention and realise that we are not rolling around in money like the Government would have you believe.
Might be a good time to get out there and shake the tin at the local shopping centre.
BTW - those Bunnings BBQ's are very tidy little earner if you can get a spot on one.
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Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!
:-D
On what charge ?
A bunch of brigades just happened to go for a training drive which found
themselves in the city at around the same time. Everyone wearing seatbelts,
obeying road rules, etc, etc.
They might stop to compare vehicles with colleagues & do a quick truck check
(including a siren test)?
They might do a couple of laps of Vicky Sq - you just never know when you
might have to do a COQ to station 20.
And everyone knows that our baggy daggy yellows are a much more better chick-
magnet than lycra, especially we more generously proportioned older members.
:-D
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So is this "outing" a confirmed event even though there is no confirmed time and place yet? Should we be rallying up support at training tonight?
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Id laugh if a page went out at 0900 Sunday Morning for a strike team, assembling outside waymouth street.
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*CFSRES INC 000 State strike teams ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA, RESPOND PUBLIC DISTURBANCE WAYMOUTH STREET
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sigh no...something more discrete ;)
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so is anythin actually happening?
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I think the question you posed Baggy could be expanded to be more inclusive of the entire service to that of what can other brigades do who are not near the city to support those who are participating in the action.
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january will pass....and nought will happen....a few rumblings from one particular Group with a dubious reputation at best isnt going to get the collective off their couch and any display will be token at best
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So is this "outing" a confirmed event even though there is no confirmed time and place yet? Should we be rallying up support at training tonight?
Not yet confirmed.
Depends on the Minister's office.
I understand the meeting has been put back to Wednesday.
I hear that any action will hinge on outcomes of that meeting, and another one with
CFSVA on Thursday.
Who has got single cab 24s they can spare for a few hours driver training?
Also old FCS750 Isuzus? If needs be, arranging coverage with neighbours...
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Who has got single cab 24s they can spare for a few hours driver training?
Also old FCS750 Isuzus? If needs be, arranging coverage with neighbours...
How about a 27 year old Tanker and a 24 year old 12?
Thanks for the info.
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If this is a serious thing that is about state funding we need it to be bigger than one group in one region. Not knowing what the plans are it would be great to have the word spread effectively via the CFSVA or other means official or not.
Crazy thing - it will be no suprise to state or pollies as they are reading this.....
The other problem is getting brigades involved who are the roll over and have their belly scratched types. I see brigades not willing to fight for fear of annoying the chain of command......Blah. If this is sanctioned action via the CFSVA then perhaps some of those brigades that normally say nothing might stand up!
Just my 2 cents....
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If it is sanctioned by the CFSVA...in agreement with state, then all is swell.
The way i see it, the brigades who are "better off" or Nothing Doers, *should* be supporting those who are not.
The ultimate result of this affects the CFS as a whole...so doing nothing as an individual brigade would be complete laziness. Its a volunteer effort to improve the ground support to the community. *Keeping in mind Area Coverage
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It would be interesting to see if Wayne Thorley senior CFSVA rep(& SA firefighter member) has any thoughts on this matter.
For this to be of any effect other than annoyance, it needs to be coordinated for maximum effect, as the CFSVA have sent out questionares to all pollies with the relevant info as to the underfunding of the CFS they(CFSVA) would be the obvious choice to coordinate the troops into a united front, not a disjointed rabble egged on by agitators!
Have the CFSVA been approached with regards to them being involved in any actions? If not ,why not?
Have group officers been approached to see if this (or any) propossed action is the true feeling of their group/groups? If not, why not?
My two cents!
(please note, this is not a criticsm of anyone but recognising the need to be coordinated if any effective action is to be taken)
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Who has got single cab 24s they can spare for a few hours driver training?
Also old FCS750 Isuzus? If needs be, arranging coverage with neighbours...
How about a 27 year old Tanker and a 24 year old 12?
Thanks for the info.
Well that is probably due to those no longer being approved by the CFS....and you guys won't give them up, but that's another story !
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Keep it on topic - just in case anyone had thoughts about taking this in another direction.
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Who has got single cab 24s they can spare for a few hours driver training?
Also old FCS750 Isuzus? If needs be, arranging coverage with neighbours...
How about a 27 year old Tanker and a 24 year old 12?
Thanks for the info.
Well that is probably due to those no longer being approved by the CFS....and you guys won't give them up, but that's another story !
Darren is actually quite right. Just as we criticise them for spin and truth adjustment....so we should be very careful about doing the same.....the moral highground is a valuable place....dont filtered it up by trying to salt the picture....its briny enough.
With only a few days to go till "the date"....nothing has come out to Groups and no discussion forthcoming to Brigades giving them a complete picture of why this action is needed, and therefore allowing the members to decide to take part or otherwise, indeed nothing has come out on anything at all, .....one could say typical CFSVA organising
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.....one could say typical CFSVA organising
This "protest/display" who mooted it? from my brief readings its not the CFSVA, but some disgruntled(most of us are)members! and NO formal talks have taken place other than these discussions on here! Am I wrong?
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The funding issue affects all Brigades/Groups/Regions but as usual only the few are prepared to have the balls and stand up and be counted on the issue.
A "United" stand is fine but it needs everybody to have the desired effect...what are they going to do?......SACK US :evil:
A street rally to Parliament House and a set of keys from each brigade appliance to the minister would have a better effect. :evil:
We are being "used" ladies and gentleman :wink:
Stand up!!!
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Jaff
You might also have noticed that CFSVA hasn't stepped in here to shut down the thread.
'nuff said about that.
I think all the other things you question have been covered in the thread
already, or in other threads going back to when this site was started. Not
going to do your research for you.
Personally, I really hope it doesn't come to action. I hate confrontation.
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This "protest/display" who mooted it? from my brief readings its not the CFSVA, but some disgruntled(most of us are)members! and NO formal talks have taken place other than these discussions on here! Am I wrong?
well this would indicate its a little more than that;
Not yet confirmed.
Depends on the Minister's office.
I understand the meeting has been put back to Wednesday.
I hear that any action will hinge on outcomes of that meeting, and another one with
CFSVA on Thursday.
The funding issue affects all Brigades/Groups/Regions but as usual only the few are prepared to have the balls and stand up and be counted on the issue.
A "United" stand is fine but it needs everybody to have the desired effect...what are they going to do?......SACK US :evil:
A street rally to Parliament House and a set of keys from each brigade appliance to the minister would have a better effect. :evil:
We are being "used" ladies and gentleman :wink:
Stand up!!!
sorry, but stuff like this is pointless diatride. We all know that we wont quit or withdraw services....cos thats not what we do, that IS the difference between US and THEM.....its not just a job for us....it's OUR community.....this sounds very much like the whinging we hear from many in the services....and without anything productive to add. It doesnt further the argument at all - IMHO
At the end of the day, Rainer and the other faceless ones behind this action(at least he has the guts to put his name to it) read this forum every day I'm sure. As has been said, the CFSVA read it all the time we know that, why are they so quiet? why so invisible, are you or are you not supporting this as a legitimate way of sending a message to the Government?......if you want support, then come up with the proper information so that everyone can make a decision to support this or not. Otherwise, I would suggest that the thread is better off closed.
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Why are they so quiet? Why so invisible? Everyone has heard of never bite the hand that feeds you :-P
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Basically, we need some form of feedback from the CFSVA. Even a time frame for what we expect would be enough for the moment.
I tend to think that any form of action not sanctioned by CFSVA would be treading a fine line. The whole idea is for a coordinated effort!
This discussion came as an extension to the knowledge that a few vollies paid an impromptu visit to a minister.
Why a fine line? The CFSVA have hinted that they have teeth with the questionnaire, now they need to back it up and bare them a little. Anything not sanctioned by them will effectively undermine what WE WANT them to do.
I like the idea, but we need to be pressuring the right people to make it happen.
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Basically, we need some form of feedback from the CFSVA. Even a time frame for what we expect would be enough for the moment.
I tend to think that any form of action not sanctioned by CFSVA would be treading a fine line. The whole idea is for a coordinated effort!
This discussion came as an extension to the knowledge that a few vollies paid an impromptu visit to a minister.
Why a fine line? The CFSVA have hinted that they have teeth with the questionnaire, now they need to back it up and bare them a little. Anything not sanctioned by them will effectively undermine what WE WANT them to do.
I like the idea, but we need to be pressuring the right people to make it happen.
Agreed!......... "United we stand" is all well and good, but if it is only a disjointed rabble it will be VERY counterproductive!. So contact your CFSVA state reps and put some pressure on IF you are serious about a protest!
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Jaff
You might also have noticed that CFSVA hasn't stepped in here to shut down the thread.
'nuff said about that.
I think all the other things you question have been covered in the thread
already, or in other threads going back to when this site was started. Not
going to do your research for you.
Personally, I really hope it doesn't come to action. I hate confrontation.
Alan, has the CFSVA ever closed down a discussion on this site? or would they rather the "faceless rankless" posters actually call or email their concerns directly to the people who represent them so they can be actioned, instead of a diatribe on here!
As for you doing my research for me, that I won't ask you to do, I will get my secretary to do it for me :wink: :-D
As for your personal aversion to confrontation, I think we all share that one......but its getting to the stage where enough is enough and very public questions might need to be asked and answered, we deal with smoke almost daily its seems to be the mirrors that are screwing us over!
Cheers Jaff
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Here's a report back from today's meeting.
Also, attached is the list of grievances which was presented to, &
discussed with, Mr. Wright.
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A small delegation of concerned volunteers from Region 1, 5 and 6
visited Minister Wright this afternoon.
Our visit was at his request to allow him to ask first hand of
volunteers about how funding shortfalls are affecting firefighters.
Whilst the meeting was not sanctioned by the VA we believe that any
and all assistance that members can give to the VA is imperative to
improve their position and ultimately serve us better.
We were pleased with the hearing that we were given and affirmed our
full support for the Volunteer Association.
It is now up to the VA to press the Minister for a commitment to
improve funding and we will be ready to provide any assistance that
they ask for to support their campaign as are the majority of
volunteers that we talk to.
It is important that every CFS member understands the funding
crisis is real and stands up now to support this campaign. If
you dont think that the CFS is having a funding crisis, read
the Fact sheet or the survey sent to MPs and see if any of the
headings have been or are a frustration to you.
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While the aforementioned nameless volunteers have been acting on their own
initiative, you can see that they are fully in line with the CFSVA position.
Naturally, actual $$ could only be discussed today in general terms.
That is for the Minister, Wendy & Euan to talk tin tacks. Pretty obvious
though that it will take tens of millions to fix.
Anyway, tomorrow Wendy goes in to bat, at the Minister's invitation.
Whatever happens from here will depend upon that meeting.
This info is for the broadest possible distribution.
regards
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Funding for training is my brigades biggest hassle, we do alright otherwise, although the ordering process is poor to terrible now.
We could have 7 people on a BA course tomorrow and that would ensure a good spread of BA across day and night, yet we get knocked back time after time as we are 1 above our minimum.
I don't think we will ever get everyone on a course, and MFS are dealing with a lot less numbers, but it would be nice, and SHOULD happen.
Lets hope something comes of this...I also hope that fact sheet wasn't all that was done, as its not the greatest thing I have ever seen.
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The fact sheet was, as I understand it, more of an aide memoire to cover
the meat of the issues. The detail is in external & various CFS internal
reports.
Waiting now for Wendy to post a report from her meeting yesterday.
3rd-hand verbal is that it was promising. A couple of crucial reports
have not yet been delivered - probably won't be ready until next week.
In fairness then, it is likely that Sunday won't happen.
<shrug> If it comes to it, there are plenty of other days in a week.
The VA campaign is far from finished, & neither side of politics wants
bad press at the moment...
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Heard Wendy on the radio today at lunchtime. Not a real lot jumped out at me i guess in coming weeks it will all become obvious
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radio station? might be online
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radio station? might be online
639 ABC Country Hour 8-)
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country hour....well, theres mass media at its brilliant best
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FROM adelaidenow.com.au
VOLUNTEER emergency service workers want a bigger share of the government levy charged to fund their efforts, warning they are losing recruits because of funding gaps.
The CFS Volunteers Association says it "urgently requires" $20 million to train recruits, replace equipment and set up computer systems.
Association executive director Wendy Shirley said the cost had been underestimated when the Emergency Services Levy was introduced a decade ago.
"We have been working from a low base and trying to play catch up ever since," she said. Ms Shirley said the levy had been reduced recently while CFS funding bids had been rejected. The SES Volunteers Association is also concerned it does not receive enough funds.
Emergency Services Minister Michael Wright said the levy was reviewed annually and, despite a decrease in 2008-09, the total amount spent on emergency services rose by about $9.4 million. He said the Government now spent an extra $17.9 million on the CFS, compared to 2002. The average household pays a levy of about $90 per year.
The Government expects to spend $216.3 million on emergency services this financial year.
The MFS will take the largest share (45.2 per cent) followed by the CFS (26.7 per cent) and the SES (5.7 per cent) while the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission, an administrative arm, receives 5.9 per cent, up from about 0.3 per cent in 2002-03.
Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire said too much was being spent on administration while the share for volunteers remained "stagnant". "The levy's not raising enough money and where there has been an increase it has been going into bureaucracy," he said.
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Good stuff...things seem to be happening at a much better rate now...the steam doesnt get let to dissipate for once..
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Woooops... and its already fallen off of the 'top stories'.
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Woooops... and its already fallen off of the 'top stories'.
yeah...posted at midnight...coinsidence? lol
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of about $90 per year.
The MFS will take the largest share (45.2 per cent) followed by the CFS (26.7 per cent) and the SES (5.7 per cent) while the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission, an administrative arm, receives 5.9 per cent, up from about 0.3 per cent in 2002-03.
anyone else noticed the math here? Those percentages add up to 83.5%. So somewhere there is 16.5% (or 61% of the CFS operating budget) going elsewhere. Yes we know the Volunteer Coastguard and Surf Lifesaving get money as well.....but 13.5%??....one would hope not.
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Some goes to SAPol & I think the Rescue Helicopter services......but the Government keeps that fairly quiet...
Some also goes to "administration" of the ESL - I think that was worth a few percent of the total collected.... ?
Pip
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Oh Dear....
On the face of that article, it would seem the minister still doesn't "get it".
Resorting to the "we spent more than the other mob so it must be alright" line
usually means "you've had your say, now go away".
That extra $17M since 2002 includes Aircrane & GRN terminal replacement,
additional GRN usage charges (which go back into general revenue) & shared
services charges (which also go back into general revenue).
Actual Group & Brigade budgets have been chopped, while the cost of everything
we need & do has risen.
Not happy with the published response at all.
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Find some very old equipment that are still on appliances, and chuck them on his desk. "Replace these, cos we cant".
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surely this issue is not about stowage.....If brigade budgets can't replace stowage then we are in big trouble!!!!!!!
I see the issue as capital budget for station builds, station repair and maintenance, better trucks, many many more operational staff that have operational Incident management responsibility and a huge HUGE increase to funding for training.
I find it a crazy situation where minimum standards of fire cover have become the maximums and therefore the limit for training. CRAZY. The community would be scared if they really knew how limited some brigades are especially during the day. Appropriate funding for training would help brigades recruit day crews and ensure more are trained in BA, RCR, HAZMAT, CFBT etc. We might even see a proper advanced suppress urban fire course.
Health issues aside, Does it seems crazy to anyone that all recruits to CFS are not BA trained? We are a fire service aren't we?? Recruits should do BFF1 and BA as a minimum.
State government treats CFS like a joke. They are happy to put adds on TV to warn the public to clean their yard but how about providing appropriate funding to the service that has to deal with the emergencies.
I'm also fed up watching skilled people trying to do courses such as AIIMS and have been waiting years! This is a ridiculous situation. How long do committed long term volunteers need to wait. If CFS don't provide training, govt please don't complain when indidents aren't managed as well as you would have liked.
Ok that's better spleen all vented......
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january will pass....and nought will happen....
so with only a few days to go, I'm betting the above will be the status quo
Pitching to the public for computer systems Wendy (and the rest of the CFSVA) isnt going to win public hearts and minds....they dont care. Tell them we'll have to walk to a fire....that might help.
Alan's rebuttal is first class...... if you want to win the media war, then u need to be able to refute the Government spin quickly and accurately. Sadly it appears our paid for CFSVA staff struggle to find the means to do this
My vote....Alan for CFSVA Pres
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CFSVA calls for better
funding for CFS
You have probably heard that the CFSVA has sent out a survey form to all sitting MPs and to candidates for the next state election to be held in March. The purpose of the survey form is to educate MPs and candidates about the chronic funding issues facing CFS and to gain their commitment for support. It was sent out in mid December and gained considerable media attention at that time.
On Tuesday January 12, the Advertiser ran a story highlighting the issues and getting quotes from a number of volunteers around the state. Extensive radio, television and some regional press coverage was also given. The Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Michael Wright, was given the opportunity to respond via the media. His response was quite measured, and he said he would be considering the issues and talking to the Association. However, he did give the impression that he considered the issues to be only of importance to the CFSVA and not necessarily coming from the wider membership of CFS volunteers.
A number of volunteers in the Adelaide Hills then decided to impress upon the Minister that this was not the case, and that the Association has the full support and backing of the operational side of CFS.
Three trucks and 12 volunteers went down to the Minister’s office on North Tce to deliver the message that the government had better start talking to the CFSVA on these issues or wider action would be taken.
Consequently over the past two days, two meetings have been held with the Minister – one with 3 brigade and group officers from right across the state, and one with the CFSVA. The Association hopes that the Minister will strongly consider what he and the Labor Government can do to relieve the chronic funding shortfall that is making it harder for CFS volunteers to be volunteers.
We hope to also gain a commitment from the Liberal Party on these issues also, and will have a meeting with the Shadow Minister, Mr Mark Goldsworthy On Thursday January 28.
What is the CFSVA asking for?
The Association is seeking better funding to CFS in a number of areas including training, equipment and technology, building replacement and maintenance and an increase in CFS staffing to support volunteers. There are also a number of issues that don’t require extra funds such as the 25 kph past red and blue flashing lights and further exemptions under the driver fatigue legislation.
You can read the survey form in the News section of the website on the right hand side of this page under “CFS Questionnaire”.
Click here to view a more detailed paper.
The CFSVA is holding a series of meetings around the state to discuss these issues with CFS volunteers:
State General Meeting Tuesday February 2, Regency Park at 10am
Mt Lofty Branch meeting Tuesday February 2 Region 1 HQ, Mt Barker at 7.30pm
SE Branch meeting Wednesday February 3 Naracoorte Station 7.30pm
Mt Gambier Emergency Services Centre Thursday February 4 7.30pm
Murraylands Branch meeting Friday February 5 Swanport Group Base Murray Bridge at 7.30pm
Northern Branch meeting Tuesday February 9 Gladstone RSL at 7.30pm
Lower North Branch meeting Thursday February 11 Roseworthy College at 7.30pm
Cummins Station Tuesday January 28 at 8pm. Rudall Community Sporting Club Wednesday February 24 at 7.30pm
Other meeting dates to be advised.
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The above is a copy and paste from here - http://www.cfsva.org.au/ (http://www.cfsva.org.au/)
Good to see!!!!!!!!
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finally a set of meetings better than the AGM!
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Keep pushing, that's what it's all about, I know my brigade will be drafting a letter to support this case to our local MP, so I urge others to follow suit, so that Mr Wright can't brush it under the table.
I also agree with Firefrog, it would be scary if the public really knew how poorly trained we are. I can have a crew during the day where the only BA are the OIC and driver, the rest simply can't get on a course because we are at our minimum, which we get told is our fault for training the wrong people, but we were told about 4 years ago to go to our maximum, so EVERYONE that wanted to got on a course!! It's insane things like that which we have to deal with as with such a shortage of funding it's a struggle to get the minimum SFEC's met....Joe Public should be concerned !! We want to do it right, we could do it right, be we aren't ALLOWED to do it right.
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I am so going to the 4th of february meeting in Mount Gambier if its open to all volunteer firies from all groups :-)
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I am so going to the 4th of february meeting in Mount Gambier if its open to all volunteer firies from all groups :-)
According to wendy they want representation from all brigades! :wink:
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bwahahahah.....3 trucks and 12 people....bet he was shaking in his boots..lol. But I take it back, obviously the struggle is in well in hand
3 Brigade and Group Officers from right across the state.....errr right
Finally, CFSVA, telling us via your website is fine....in fact its good and a pleasant change......but ffs tell the public - they will convince the Government to change...we wont
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According to wendy they want representation from all brigades!
Woo hoo i am so going next thursday night the more volunteers there the better our chances are of getting the issues raised :-D
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Thanks Baggyassfirey.
First I've heard from CFSVA. Methinks someone there really needs to review
their information dissemination methods.
Tell them we'll have to walk to a fire....that might help.
I like Rainer's idea better.
Announce in about April that the Group has run out of money.
Alan's rebuttal is first class...... if you want to win the media war, then u need to be able to refute the Government spin quickly and accurately. Sadly it appears our paid for CFSVA staff struggle to find the means to do this
My vote....Alan for CFSVA Pres
get knotted! people in those positions have to be able to negotiate with
people who don't give a stuff. "be it on your own head" is as near as I get.
Besides which, these sorts of stoushes need a good cop / bad cop tag team.
Good cop is the CFSVA. Good cop behaves nicely & gets the credit for any
'wins'. Bad cop is... any volunteers who have had a gutful of half measures &
half funding & want to make life less rosy for North Tce. ;-)
Now... who has elderly 24's & 34's that need exercising (or was that excising)...
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ok,....as you wish
Vote 1....Alan for Bad Cop :evil:
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Attended the R1 CFSVA meeting tonight.
Well worth the trouble. There was a fair bit of normal business to transact, but
the funding issue is the biggie for the moment & for the forseeable future.
Can't print too much here. Strategies & plans. Details will be sent to groups &
brigades over the next week or so. Key thing is influencing the Budget submissions
in may. If that means influencing election platforms in March, so be it.
We need at least an extra $20M/year out of Govt, just to maintain or meet the
absolute minimum standards in our SFECs. We need quite a lot more than that
to support training & equipment at a level for us to do our job properly.
The important thing is that brigade members join in the CFSVA campaign, rather
than just whinging amongst ourselves.
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CFSVA & Ministerial announcement attached
Here's a start anyway.
Have to ensure pressure is maintained so that the govt (whoever might be in power) doesn't "forget".
----- Original Message -----
From: Wendy Shirley
To:
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 12:20 PM
Subject: Fw: Hon Michael Wright
Hi Everyone
Minister Wright has just made an announcement regarding funding to CFS. I attach the press release for your information. The announcement covers pagers, computers and internet connections, station builds and maintenance, 25 kph, driver fatigue exemptions and free entry to national parks for volunteers. There is also a commitment to AVL when SACAD comes in.
The CFSVA is very pleased with the announcement, which we see as a good start. We particularly welcome the proposed study into the future resourcing needs of CFS. Whilst this announcement does not include any extra funding for training or staffing to support volunteers, such a study will certainly highlight those needs. It should be noted that only around $4million will be immediate and the rest staged.
We will be meeting with the Minister during the week to discuss amongst other things, the breakdown in funding allocations between SES and CFS, the numbers of computers (which look a bit strange) and the study. We will continue to work with CFS and the SAFECOM Board in ensuring the best possible use of these funds and future funding allocations.
The Association is pleased that the action we took has resulted in this positive good start. We thank the volunteers who got behind the campaign, and in particular volunteers from Mawson, Sturt and Mt Lofty Groups who took action to impress upon the Minister that the claims the CFSVA were making had the backing of the wider operational members of the CFS. We also thank Mike Pearce (Sturt), Phil Richards (Wattle Range) and Bryan Trigg (Eastern Eyre) for meeting with the Minister to push home the same message.
It goes to show that if we are united as a volunteer membership we can get results.
This announcement was made on the one year anniversary of the Black Saturday fires in Victoria, and I am sure we all are thinking about the people who suffered from the events of that day. The Minister has made these announcements as part of a range of initiatives to ensure that we avoid (as far as is humanly possible) a similar tragedy in South Australia.
There will be coverage of the CFSVA response to this announcement on ABC News tonight. This email can be forwarded on to volunteers on your email lists
Regards,
Wendy Shirley
Executive Director, CFSVA
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do our grn pager actually cost nearly $300 each or is that typo??
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do our grn pager actually cost nearly $300 each or is that typo??
Great to hear, but sucks to hear about Training and Staffing being left alone..
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do our grn pager actually cost nearly $300 each or is that typo??
Correct - $300 ea
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It's a good start, the pagers are a big issue for a start, but still a loooong way to go, not enough to sweeten the deal come March !!
Keep it up CFSVA !
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not sure I'd call that a stunning victory for the Service
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Good to see the tap just dripped in the CFS's direction. But don't get giddy with excitement. The training department is still under funded and under staffed, not to mention regional staffing.
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From the Minister's press release dated 07/02/2010
"...$3.55m to accelerate building works and maintenance on CFS and SES
facilities..."
OK, this gets added to existing capital budget I assume, so my initial thought is that is NOT going to buy much..
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At the prices for the stations at the moment, its probably 4 or 5 stations at the most.
It's a start though, and they know we are annoying. :-D
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I see the 'Tiser has twigged that it's a one-shot, and that the Service needs
more every year to be effective. They still didn't get the numbers right, but
at least they noticed...
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On the news they said that the government has pledged an extra $13 million to the CFS. Did i hear it right? I know they were at the Stirling station
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If it was at Stirling Station, then it would have been the Opposition launch of their policy...or at last the response to the Government's announcement....
Pip
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That would make more sense because i havn't heard it anywhere else
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If it was at Stirling Station, then it would have been the Opposition launch of their policy...or at last the response to the Government's announcement....
Pip
Correct, $13 Million over 4 years for CFS and SES:
http://isobelredmond.com.au/News/MediaReleases/tabid/70/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/416/Redmond-priority-CFS-SES-funding.aspx (http://isobelredmond.com.au/News/MediaReleases/tabid/70/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/416/Redmond-priority-CFS-SES-funding.aspx)
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If I were the glass-half-full kind of person, I'd say not enough is better than nothing at all.
But I'm not.
Seems to me that neither mob "get it".
This looks like another half-sucked lolly casually tossed our way (with fanfare) to trick voters.
We need more like an EXTRA $80M over 4 years, not $13M.
We need more staff - more "bureaucracy" as Isobel calls it.
Having a single Region Officer handling prevention (including home fire safety & compliance, vegetation management) and managing training is ridiculous.
Having 2 people attempting to manage a fleet of 1,000 vehicles including design & commissioning is a bad joke.
Whether we employ enough full-time trainers, or a CFSVA suggestion to pay hourly rates to volunteer instructors, there's still something like $9M EXTRA PER YEAR needed, just for training.
Too early to celebrate yet people.
Start thinking about funding banners at the election, and about getting disruptive around April.
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I agree NOT GOOD ENOUGH by either side.... Time for another visit down Nth Terrace maybe?
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So with the Election campaign really getting in to full swing does one think that the extra funding pledged by both sides will be it? Or does someone think there will be a pre election promise?
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Doesn't matter if there are election promises.
The High Court (I think it was) ruled that, as everyone knows that election
promises are just bait for votes, governments are not obligated to keep the
promises they made to win government... not even core promises.
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Doesn't matter if there are election promises.
The High Court (I think it was) ruled that, as everyone knows that election
promises are just bait for votes, governments are not obligated to keep the
promises they made to win government... not even core promises.
MMmm its just morally wrong to not go thru with them....government and morals hahahahahah
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I understand this may rise up again as CFS Budget is rumoured to be getting cut by up to 25% & this comes from a very good source!
:wink: :wink: :wink:
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Wouldn't surprise me as the government razor gangs will take savings where they can get them not where they should get them. I've been hearing rumors of SES getting a Cut as well
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Best put the skycranes on hold for next fire season then? Wouldnt have thought the SES could take any sort of reduction in funding?
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Personally and most of the people i've spoken to don't think we can but thats unlikely to stop them i would have thought, just means another year of trying to keep unservicable pumps, saws etc working
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Funding Cut, Funding cut, Funding Cut...Massive fire....Zillions of dollars thrown at them....Funding cut, Funding cut, Funding cut...
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I understand this may rise up again as CFS Budget is rumoured to be getting cut by up to 25% & this comes from a very good source!
:wink: :wink: :wink:
Political suicide if they go down that path....WA are paying 2X the pay that our CFS staff are getting paid, for less headfuuuks, just try it Rann....Wanka!!!
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People
if you haven't written to, or emailed the premier or you local rep or the minister for Emergency Services, then you nee dto do so urgently.