Tasmanians are being invited to have their say on the largest reform of Tasmania’s fire and emergency services in half a century.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said the Bill will replace the existing Fire Service Act 1979 and regulations with contemporary, principles-based legislation.
“A key focus of this Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is backing in our fire and emergency services to keep communities safe,” Minister Ellis said.
“This Bill supports our commitment to enhance Tasmania’s fire and emergency services by ensuring they are equipped to meet the future challenges of more severe and frequent natural disasters.
“It brings our fire and emergency services together in legislation under the Tasmania Fire and Emergency Service (TFES), while maintaining the separate identities that Tasmanians know and trust, and establishes the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner as its operational lead.”
The Bill also establishes a new State Fire and Emergency Services Commission with a skills-based board, ensuring it has the governance and emergency management expertise needed to oversee the TFES into the future, the Minister said.
“Importantly, the Bill establishes a Volunteer Charter in legislation, recognising the vital contribution everyday Tasmanians make to protecting their communities,” he said.
“More than 5,000 Tasmanians volunteer their time to help keep our communities safe.
“The Volunteer Charter will enshrine our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our volunteer first responders, ensuring they have the protections, support and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively.
“This legislation has been developed following extensive consultation with our community and emergency responders, and I encourage all interested Tasmanians to have their say.”
Consultation will due to close on Friday, 9 October.
More information, including the draft Bill and details on how to make a submission, is available at www.fire.tas.gov.au/reform and www.ses.tas.gov.au/reform.
