Align risk assessment tools and processes to Risk Management Standard ISO 31000 and the National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines (NERAG) and communicate these on public-facing platforms. Make Bushfire Management Area Plans (BMAP) accountable for managing and reporting on region-specific risk and identifying critical infrastructure such as mobile phone towers as key risks.

Implement previous review recommendations for bushfire management including those relating to the 2009 amendments to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, State Bushfire Coordination Committee operation, State Bushfire Management Plan, as well as urgent completion of Codes of Practice for fuel hazard reduction on all land tenures, and redevelopment of Bushfire Management Area Plans accompanied by effective community engagement to build an understanding of risk.

Develop and practice procedures for the CFS, DEW and local governments to access and deploy heavy plant and machinery for fuel reduction operations both before and during bushfires.

Incorporate Farm Firefighting Units (FFUs) into the Australasian Inter Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) so that IMTs are aware of their presence on the fireground and their welfare and risks are understood.

Invest in fireground leadership and incident management training for CFS, SES and MFS personnel to improve safety on the fireground. Invest in greater technological interoperability such as AVL, Thermal Imagery, Burnover Protection Systems (BOPS), lightning tracking and appropriate vehicle fleets for bushfire conditions including at the peri-urban interface.

Upskilling IT resources through disaster recovery testing or formal training.

That a State Plan be developed for managing the consequences of a black system event or other major power outage. The plan should include:
a) public information strategies including providing advice on: the extent of the outage; anticipated and worst-case time frames for power restoration; services impacted by the outage; and, information about contingencies and actions by local and State government to provide support
b) identification of key providers that will supply fuel to emergency services and other critical services (vehicles and generators)
c) identification of priorities for provision of fuel and restoration of power
d) arrangements for purchase of essentials, for government agencies and the public, when electronic payment systems fail; and
e) arrangements for obtaining and distributing food.

That an Emergency Management Assurance Framework be established as soon as possible to support the emergency management arrangements and the State Emergency Management Plan. Consider establishing an Inspector General Emergency Management department or position.

That SA Police, emergency services, health facilities, utility providers and other key service providers, review their Business Continuity Plans giving consideration to factors such as: a) identification of: business critical needs; essential services power requirements; back-up power requirements for all facilities including State, regional and local facilities such as Police, SES, MFS and CFS stations; the need for any arrangements for back-up power to be included in contracts for design and or lease of Government premises b) contingencies for black system events and extended power outages c) regular back-up generator testing regime protocols, including testing under load and for long durations d) contingencies for communications when mobile, landline and/or radios are not operational e.g. satellite phones; and e) alternative State control centre facilities that are pre-identified, equipped and have procedures for moving to the alternative facility.

Review and reinstate the State Emergency Management Training Officer and State Emergency Management Planning Officer (capability development) positions to operate with a broad, strategic and leadership focus.

Establish an ‘Interstate Deployment Support Plan’ for incoming interstate resources. The plan should outline responsibilities and arrangements for this function. Consider including this plan into the State emergency management arrangements.

Explore alternative emergency management models including the alternative model proposed above to establish a South Australian Emergency Management Office and State Relief and Recovery Office within the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission, to ensure that all the objects and guiding principles of the Emergency Management Act 2004, and State Emergency Management Plan are addressed efficiently and effectively.

That the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure review their Business Continuity Plan to:
a) minimise the loss of public transport services
b) ensure ongoing fuel supply
c) improve public information e.g. electronic signage on buses, about alternative transport arrangements when there is a significant disruption to operations.

That regular training and exercising is conducted for all State Emergency Centre participants including Liaison Officers.

That the glossary of terms in the State Emergency Management Plan be reviewed to ensure all relevant language is included. All agencies need to ensure the use of clear communication and accurate use of terminology, including in describing the status of critical services e.g. Triple Zero (000), SA Government Radio Network, electrical and water supplies and infrastructure.

Establish a State incident management and emergency management training capability which provides for: a) consistent training across the State b) personal development and endorsement processes for roles c) identification, recruitment and development of personnel from other government agencies; and d) incident management and State emergency centre functional role training and development across all sectors. e) skills maintenance including upskills, refresher training and exercises f)incident and strategic leadership training g) consistent training for inter-agency liaison officers at all levels

That the State Emergency Service, in consultation with key stakeholders, identify and implement a robust system and procedures for prioritising, allocating and coordinating multiple tasks.

Develop a State Relief and Recovery Plan as a distinct part of the State Emergency Management Plan which should include: a) potential locations for suitable facilities for relief and recovery centres which: are in locations safe from hazards such as flooding and bushfire; and, have appropriate access and suitable ablutions. b) formalisation of roles and capabilities of non-government organisations such as Red Cross

That the State Emergency Management Plan be reviewed and updated including: a) a better description of the responsibilities of Hazard Leaders Page xx b) establish a mechanism for a hazard leader to identify systemic failures in coordination of their hazard, with a clear process to raise those issues with SEMC and seek a remedy c) establish resilience as a key heading in the plan, with clearly documented strategies and responsibilities; and d) consider the Schar/Mulroney submission and taking a ‘fresh eyes’ approach

Deliver consistent and regular training in the use of the SA Government Radio Network to all users to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the network in times of emergency e.g. reduce the issues associated with network busy signals.

Review and update the role, function, workload and focus of the groups/committees that contribute to incident management and emergency management capabilities including the State Emergency Management Training Committee, Interagency Incident Management Sub-Committee and the Central Exercise Writing Team.

That resources be provided to support the implementation of recommendations in the South Australian Levee Bank Management Issues Paper (DEWNR, 2015) including: a) development of relevant policy; and b) identification of responsibilities in relation to levee management and flood mitigation

Develop a Disaster Waste Management Plan to form part of the State Emergency Management Plan which describe participating agencies and responsibilities for various aspects of waste management during and after emergencies.

That additional guidance be provided in the State Emergency Management Plan regarding the activation, structure and operation of Zone Emergency Support Teams. This should include: a) the reporting relationship between the Zone Emergency Support Teams, the State Emergency Centre and the State Coordinator b) briefing requirements between the State Coordinator (or their representative) and the Zone Emergency Support Teams when the State Emergency Centre is activated c) responsibilities for provision of local public information; and d) the appointment of public information officers in Zone Emergency Support Teams (where there is no incident management team (established) to provide information to local communities

That the Office for Digital Government, in close partnership with telecommunications companies (e.g. Telstra, Optus, Vodaphone), develop a Control Agency Plan for Information and Communication Technology including mobile communications. The plan should consider:
a) provision of back-up power to priority infrastructure
b) back-up equipment requirements e.g. satellite phones for government ministers (including training and other support)
c) potential impact on the National Broadband Network on emergency services when there is an extended power outage / black system event
d) arrangements with commercial mobile network carriers to ensure emergency and support services have priority access to available mobile networks; and
e) contingencies to ensure ongoing functionality of the Broadcast Australia network

Consider opportunities to identify synergies between the incident management systems used in SA being the, Australasian Interservice Incident Management System (AIIMS) and ICCS Plus. This might include joint training and exercising in roles that are common across both systems.

That, giving consideration to the previous recommendation, the Flood
Reform Response Working Group identify and consider appropriate
agency involvement and protocols for response to and management
of dams which are in danger of losing their structural integrity or
spilling.

Task South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission with further developing the Emergency Alerts capability across government agencies including to: a) establish and maintain a centralised training program for emergency alert initial and refresher training. b) establish a pool of endorsed Emergency Alert personnel from across government agencies to enable control agencies to assist each other with the emergency alert function during emergencies. c) develop supporting processes to ensure that the capability supports: emergencies involving any hazard; consistent issuing of alerts and warnings; consistent messages; and effective communication and notification of alerts issued to relevant internal and external stakeholders

That members of Emergency Management Council ensure they are prepared to undertake their roles and responsibilities during emergency events, including establishing: a) contingencies for communication e.g. satellite phone b) access to relevant documents such as the State Emergency Management Plan, supporting plans, ministerial guidelines, agency plans and contacts in hard copy and/or portable device c) formalised arrangements for briefings (up and down), and d) arrangements for suitable representation e.g. relevant Chief Executive(s) or their deputy, at all Emergency Management Council meetings .

In order to increase resilience and public safety during emergencies, the State Emergency Management Committee should request the Australia and New Zealand Emergency Management Committee to place on the agenda, and consider establishing a national position, on redundancies for mobile communications (including phone tower back-up power) and the National Broadband Network.

Through the Emergency Management Workforce Project, identify and provide training and development for SA’s emergency management sector personnel (government agencies, and non-government agencies including volunteers). State Emergency Management Committee should consider supporting recommendations from stage two of the project when the project report is tabled.

Continue development of the Damage Assessment Support Plan to:
a) integrate data produced from Control Agency Stage One
Assessment into the Stage Two Assessment
b) develop a capability to undertake Stage Four Assessments which
includes assessment of impacts to infrastructure, agriculture,
businesses and the economy; and
c) consult with the Local Government Association regarding how/if
their Emergency Assessment Reporting System (EARS) data can be
utilised in the damage assessment process.

Update the Public Information Functional Support Group Plan to include: a) standards, outputs, systems and processes required to be used by control agencies and the Public Information Functional Support Group during emergencies b) guidance on the public information cycle through the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases which includes the responsibilities and information requirements during different phases, and effective transition between phases c) establishing a public information intelligence cell within the Public Information Functional Service Group; and d) identifying tools or resources to monitor social media

That the State Emergency Service be provided with resources to enable them to deliver swiftwater awareness training to all first responders including emergency services, SA Police and council crews.

The State Government to create a Rural Fire Service to enhance the capability for rural fire management and bushfire risk management at a State, regional and local level. The proposed Rural Fire Service will: · be established as a separate entity from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services or, alternatively, be established as a sub-department of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services; · have an independent budget; · be able to employ staff; · have a leadership structure which, to the greatest degree possible, is regionally based and runs the entity; · be led by a Chief Officer who reports to the responsible Minister on policy and administrative matters; and to the Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services during operational and emergency response; · have responsibilities and powers relating to bushfire prevention, preparedness and response; and · operate collaboratively with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Local Government and volunteer Bush Fire Brigades. In creating the Rural Fire Service, the State Government to consider whether back office and corporate support services could be effectively provided by an existing Department, such as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services or the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The State Government to review the creation of the Rural Fire Service two years after its establishment, to assess whether its structure and operations are achieving the intended outcome.

The State Emergency Management Committee, in consultation with Western Australian Farmers Federation, the Association of Bush Fire Brigades, the Contractors Association of WA, and the Forest Industries Federation of WA, to establish systems for the voluntary registration of: · farmer firefighting units; · contractor firefighting resources; and · forestry industry brigades.

The State Emergency Management Committee to adopt, across all hazards, the doctrine of: · the primacy of life; · the ‘Strategic Control Priorities’ (as documented by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services); and · community warnings that are timely, tailored and relevant. Agencies will reinforce amongst emergency management personnel the importance of this doctrine through briefings and intent statements.

Resolve reoccurring issues with systems and processes

Structures to incorporate local knowledge and situational awareness into the fire response

Resourcing models appropriate to local needs, including fire risk and remoteness

Review of institutional arrangements in the fire sector

A unified and integrated fire sector across the whole fire hazard

IAP formats and processes appropriate to the nature of the emergency response.

Clarify the role of the ROC and SOC and their reporting relationships: The ROC and SOC have important coordination roles under the State Emergency Management Arrangements to support both the incident and the broader region and state. Clarifying the role of the ROC and SOC, their reporting relationships, and how the command structures of other agencies are integrated, will have three main benefits: the ROC and SOC can perform their functions effectively • no inconsistencies, gaps or duplication in the activities of the IMT, ROC and SOC • transparency of incident management

Within six months, consider improved processes for consulting with and engaging volunteers and continue to work with LGs to improve information sharing and communication. Specifically, DFES should improve communication around its decisions on equipment and training as well as provide better information about access to services.

Within 12 months, develop volunteer specific policies and procedures, including fatigue management, consistent with the Guidelines for Successful Partnerships between Public Sector Agencies and Volunteers.

Within 12 months, improve its processes for collecting and maintaining volunteer membership, availability and training records. To do this it will need to work with local information. governments to improve the accuracy of LG volunteer membership

Continue to implement the major change projects it has in place, including Professional Pathways, and review them to assess if they will address all the key findings in this report. In particular, within six months DFES should set priorities and Sustainability Strategy. begin implementing the Emergency Services Volunteer Workforce

Review relevant Legislation associated Acts and Plans to establish a consistent approach to fire and emergency management to minimise duplication and risk of contradiction. That the Hazard and Functional area plans be amalgamated and establish a SA Bushfire Plan, under the SEMP, which clearly define role of SACFS.

Incorporating ‘triggers’ within Chief Officers Standing Orders No. 17, which requires the escalation of the State Controller role to the rank of Assistant Chief Officer or greater, depending on the increased risk or activity.

That SACFS in consultation with SAMFS consider adopting common terminology and capability requirements for strike teams being ‘4-5 appliances and a group officer’ in line with other jurisdictions.

Incorporate in operational doctrine the ability for the State Controller to determine the operational readiness levels of the state or regions based on either the predicted and/or actual risk and/or activity to some or all of the regions.

Review all current SACFS operational facilities (Group, ICC, RCC and SCC) to provide more effective communications, connectivity and resource management.

Plan the establishment of one multi-agency Coordination Centre with sufficient capacity and capability to deal with all incidents in South Australia.

That a complete review of current naming conventions of personnel and centres, in accordance with the outcomes of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission is undertaken, to ensure clarity around command, control and coordination within SA.

Reviewing how Regional resources are managed and tracked and incorporate into COSO’s to ensure that there is complete situational awareness as to the location and tasking of CFS resources.

The forthcoming review by SEMC of SEMP 4.4 Recovery Coordination and Westplan – Recovery Coordination and SEMP 4.1 Incident Management should include consideration of:
- the process for establishing a State Emergency Coordination Group (SECG) and the frequency of SECG meetings during an emergency;
- clarifying of the criteria for declaring an incident at Level 2 or 3
- Clarifying the criteria for handing over control of the incident from the Controlling Agency to local government and the transition from response to recovery
- the development of processes to ensure that ‘betterment’ is considered in recovery plans, including the identification of roles and responsibilities.

The role of the Ground Controller should be reaffirmed in operational doctrine and reinforced in Incident Management Team training. During incidents involving aircraft the appointment of a Ground Controller should be confirmed by the Incident Controller

Whenever a Bush Fires Act 1954 section 13 transfer of control is invoked, the Incident level of an event should also be reviewed and any changes documented.

Standard Operating Procedure 1 (Mobilisation Zone 2, Perth Hills area) should be reviewed to ensure that appropriate escalation triggers and levels of operational readiness are in place for future periods when severe fire weather conditions are forecast.

EMP 4.4 and Westplan – Recovery Coordination should be amended to: clarify the wording around handing over control of the incident from the Controlling Agency to local government and the transition from response to recovery; include principles and criteria that will assist the Controlling Agency and local government to determine the best time to effect a hand over of control of the incident; make explicit the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in the handover of control of the incident; specify the information required in the needs and impact assessments provided to local government by the Controlling Agency so that local government is given sufficient information to take control of incidents; clarify the roles, responsibilities and the title of the State Recovery Controller and ensure that the appropriate wording is reflected in Westplans and State Emergency Management Policies; Hazard Management Agencies, combat and support agencies and local governments need to fully inform themselves of the role of the State Recovery Controller and implement a more effective approach to communicating
internally the changes or additions to Westplans, State Emergency Management policies or procedures adopted by the SEMC;

DFES should increase and maintain urban interface bushfire skills and expertise. Appointments to senior roles within the agency should include people with experience and credibility in bushfire firefighting and management.

Training and awareness raising should be conducted to enhance the appreciation and understanding of DFES State and Regional operational personnel, including potential Incident Management Team members, of the nationally adopted Bushfire Alert and Messaging Matrix, in order to ensure that the most appropriate alert levels and associated community messaging are applied during bushfire incidents.

DFES should review its training courses and Standard Operating Procedures to satisfy itself that all incident management personnel have the required level of understanding of WA emergency management arrangements, including those that relate to the roles of the Incident Management Team and Incident Support Group and the declaration of incident levels.

Procedures should be reviewed to address the risks associated with response aircraft all working from one forward operating base, including the need for a designated fire protection unit to be available in the event of an aircraftrelated fire or other emergency incident

In due course, acts of bravery are considered and recommendations for awards are submitted, including commendations for the delivery of First Aid.

WA fire agencies adopt a common set of standing orders, operational procedures, training and competencies for rural firefighting that are produced in hard copy, leading to integrated multi-agency training, IMTs, Regional and State coordination/control centres.

DFES or DEC (depending on land tenure) is mandated to take over control of emergency incidents from Local Government once they have been declared Level 2 incidents. WESTPLAN BUSHFIRE and legislation to be amended accordingly.

Once Recommendation 1 has been actioned, all agencies give greater priority to the promulgation of Red Flag warnings in order to enhance situational awareness on the fireground.

All agencies ensure fire managers are trained to correctly interpret the new Spot Fire Weather Forecast and to familiarise themselves with the entire format – ensuring consideration of the whole forecast - not just the tabular data containing the 12 hour forecast.

Critical operational procedures such as ‘Red Flag Warnings’, on a common fireground need to be consistent across DFES, DEC and Local Government. In particular, the operational procedure of Red Flag Warnings needs to be adopted by all WA fire agencies.

Western Australia Health should develop criteria with St John Ambulance for the allocation of paramedics across the state

St John Ambulance should ensure the positive gains in clinical governance achieved since the Inquiry become embedded throughout the whole organisation.

Western Australia Health should re-engage with St John Ambulance at a senior level to address strategic and complex issues including long term solutions to ramping

Western Australia Health should collate and centrally monitor financial data including the cost to government of IHPT

St John Ambulance should build on its regionalisation model and improve engagement with local services in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions

Western Australia Health should develop and agree with St John Ambulance a new funding model for emergency ambulance services focusing on standards, performance and allocation of risk

St John Ambulance should explore opportunities for extending the community paramedic model to other areas of identified need

Western Australia Health should consider publishing information on St John Ambulance’s complaints processes to assist Western Australia Health staff.

Amend Regulation 41 to exempt the use of prescribed appliances when a Hot Work Permit compliant with AS1674.1 has been issued.

Section 70 (5) be amended to preclude a person from being elected as a group officer, brigade captain or brigade lieutenant if he or she is an employee of the CFS.

Develop a code of practice which is referenced by the F&ES Act for burning off including the option to issue seasonal permits for relevant purposes throughout the State.

Amend Section 143 to strengthen the capacity of the ESOs to recover outstanding debts (e.g. penalty for late payment provisions).

Should the SES be given the power ‘to register suitable organisations’, then the ‘other person’ in Section 127 – Protection from liability, could be defined to include members of organisations affiliated to emergency service organisations.

Should the State Bushfire Coordination Committee continue to exist under the F&ES Act, then Section 71 of the Act be amended to provide for the appointment of an independent presiding member of the committee.

Sections 42 and 97 be amended to provide greater flexibility in the engagement of contractors by Senior MFS and CFS Officers. Consideration be given to providing similar powers in Section 118 to enable the SES to engage contractors.

Review the format and necessity for Schedules 9 and 10 of the Regulations

Section 142 be amended to include the SES

SES be given a power ‘to register, subject to any conditions the Chief Officer SES considers appropriate, suitable organisations (such as Volunteer Marine Rescue Associations) as affiliated organisations of the State Emergency Service’. 

That South Australia’s Hazard Leader Plan for Rural Fire, prepared in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan, replace the F&ES Act requirement for a separate State Bushfire Management Plan.
Divisions 7 and 7a of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 be amended or deleted accordingly. Bushfire Management Areas be replaced by Zone Emergency Management Committee regions, which are already aligned to South Australian Government Regions.

The F&ES Act be amended to clarify the meaning of ‘closure’ in Section 38 and that provisions relating to the extension and rescission of closure orders be reviewed.

Amend Regulation 33 (6) and (8) to include respectively ‘notice given’ and ‘permit application’ using the online medium.

Clarify that Section 128 of the F&ES Act is not compromised by any other legislation. 

In consultation with stakeholders including CFA, develop a Forest Industry Brigade standard for inclusion in the Fire and Emergency Services Regulations.

Amend the F&ES Act to provide for the operation of interstate fire and emergency service workers in South Australia. The issue of liability may need to be considered.

That the MFS, CFS and SES be incorporated into a departmental structure under the direction of a Chief Executive based on interstate developments over the past two decades, which establishes this arrangement as the benchmark for the governance of Emergency Services in Australia. The MFS, CFS and SES would operate as separate units under the ultimate direction of the CEO.

That the F&ES Act be amended to enable fire safety inspections in and outside fire districts.

That the proposed ‘Permit Information Management System’ (PIMS) be implemented as soon as possible and incorporated into the Call Receipt and Dispatch process. Following implementation, amend Regulation 33 (5) (d) and (10) (c) in line with the automated notification process.

The power of the Chief Officer to appoint officers from the staff of the SES as well as appoint volunteer officers of the SES be clarified. A command structure section (similar to Section 70) be incorporated into the Act and include the power to register, appoint, disqualify and terminate volunteer members.

Consider the amendment of Section 82 (2) to include the power to order the cessation of harvesting or any other actions (including the lighting of fires authorised under Section 81) that because of the weather conditions, may cause a fire, if ignited, to get out of control.

The requirement to consult with members of the unit and the SESVA before an SES Unit is dissolved should remain but the need for public meetings be removed from the regulations.

Amend Sections 28, 61 and 110 to provide the Chief Officers greater flexibility over organisational structure.

Consider whether Regulation 71 be amended to extend the range of offences for which expiation fees apply to include a breach of any permit condition imposed by an authorised officer.

Amend the F&ES Act to reflect the SES expanded responsibilities as Hazard Leader for ‘Extreme Weather’ including their community education role.

Should the State Bushfire Coordination Committee continue to exist under the F&ES Act amend Section 94 (4) (c) to refer to the ‘State Bushfire Coordination Committee’.

If possible the terms of election for CFS Health and Safety Representatives be aligned with group elections.

Greater attention needs to be given to the recruitment and retention of volunteers in alignment with the National Emergency Management Volunteer Action Plan.
Consideration should also be given to measures including:
- Increased administrative support for volunteers
- Targeted recruitment of people with office skills
- Legislative protection from dismissal

That the Government cease drawing from South Australia Police or other Community safety and emergency service budgets to fund the Directorate and instead merge its work and functions with the pre-existing South Australia Fire and Emergency Services Commission for zero total State and other Community safety and emergency service budget impact.

That the State Government give high priority to liaising with interstate and Federal processes, and offer to take a lead, on changing the climatic and fire rating arrangements to ensure these match the conditions that can create dangerous bushfire conditions at short notice.

That the Government’s Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (SAMFS Firefighters) Amendment Bill be amended to include Country Fire Service firefighters alongside Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters.

That the Government work with the volunteer community safety and emergency service providers to organise a comprehensive advertising campaign to promote the community and personal benefits of volunteering in the sector.

That the Government increase the budgets of all emergency services and community safety organisations, including: i. seeking Federal funding where appropriate (and assisting at no cost volunteer organisations with the grants application process); and ii. considering, with full public and cost benefit analysis, reviewing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Emergency Services Levy; and iii. consider including St John Ambulance Australia SA Ltd in the bodies to benefit from the Emergency services Levy if the funding of other Community Safety and Emergency services providers is improved in line with this recommendation.

That the Government consult broadly upon and review impediments to volunteering in the community and establish a taskforce to assist in removing barriers to volunteering, particularly with respect to: i harmonising the regime for reimbursement to community safety and emergency services volunteers for their out-of-pocket expenses; and ii reviewing the impact of work health and safety laws on the community safety and emergency service sector, particularly on the volunteer organisation.

That with regard to volunteer community safety and emergency service organisations that do not own land where their facilities exist: i. the Government audit all such land and consider gifting or providing at reduced or peppercorn rental Government-owned land to an organisation (and specifically the Select Committee recommends gifting the Adelaide Shores land to Surf Life Saving South Australia); and ii. the Government consider providing rebates to Councils that do not feel morally able to impose full commercial rent on community safety and emergency service volunteer occupied land.

That noting the precedents for legislated charters in the Carers Recognition Act 2005 and the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004, that the Government support the Fire and Emergency Services (Volunteer Charters) Amendment Bill introduced by the Member for Morphett in November 2012 to enshrine the Country Fire Service and the State Emergency Service at law.

That the Government cease drawing from South Australia Police or other Community safety and emergency service budgets to fund the Directorate and instead merge its work and functions with the pre-existing South Australia Fire and Emergency Services Commission for zero total State and other Community safety and emergency service budget impact.

That the Government resume funding for the helicopter surveillance service rather than by fixed-wing aircraft along Adelaide, South Coast and other high-risk coastlines during summer recreational periods for monitoring shark and other rescue situations, to bring the State back into line with interstate best practice.

That the Government increase the budgets of all emergency services and community safety organisations, including:
i. seeking Federal funding where appropriate (and assisting at no cost volunteer organisations with the grants application process); and
ii. considering, with full public and cost benefit analysis, reviewing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Emergency Services Levy; and
iii. consider including St John Ambulance Australia SA Ltd in the bodies to benefit from the Emergency services Levy if the funding of other Community Safety and Emergency services providers is improved in line with this recommendation.

That the Government adequately fund Community Safety and Emergency Services budgets so that fire-bombing aircraft are available on call for rapid deployment throughout Autumn and Spring at short notice to bomb fires at the earliest and safest possible opportunity.

That the Government work with the Local Government Association to resolve questions of liability by volunteers who work for Councils, as raised with the Select Committee.

That the Government work with the volunteer community safety and emergency service providers to organise a comprehensive advertising campaign to promote the community and personal benefits of volunteering in the sector.

That noting the precedents for legislated charters in the Carers Recognition Act 2005 and the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004, that the Government support the Fire and Emergency Services (Volunteer Charters) Amendment Bill introduced by the Member for Morphett in November 2012 to enshrine the Country Fire Service and the State Emergency Service at law.

I recommend that the Christmas Island VMRS be given autonomy to maintain operational readiness for the VMRS rescue vessel(s) and an appropriate budget be provided to allow this to take place. 

I recommend that BPC establish an onshore presence as recommended by Lieutenant Commander Livingstone. 

I recommend that arrangements be put in place which would remove the requirements for Masters of Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels to hold a commercial certificate of competency. Operators could then be qualified through the FESA Volunteer Marine Rescue Training pathway as skippers and crew. This would increase the number of available skippers in the event of a search and rescue incident and would make appropriate training easier to arrange. 

The role of district and local emergency management committees should be reviewed to ensure they are appropriately engaged in the active management of emergencies across the PPR R continuum

Legislative change may be needed to enable FES A to better manage fire- fighting resources across the state.

Section 13 arrangements need to be clarified across key agencies.

Suitably experienced local representatives should be engaged to provide advice to the IMT in all Level 2 and Level 3 incidents at the earliest opportunity.

DFES and Local Government Bushfire Brigades ensure that only those with the required AIIMS competence have the authority to manage Level 1 incidents, noting they may not be Fire Control Officers.

Once Recommendation 1 has been actioned, all agencies give greater priority to the promulgation of Red Flag warnings in order to enhance situational awareness on the fireground.

All agencies ensure fire managers are trained to correctly interpret the new Spot Fire Weather Forecast and to familiarise themselves with the entire format – ensuring consideration of the whole forecast - not just the tabular data containing the 12 hour forecast.

Critical operational procedures such as ‘Red Flag Warnings’, on a common fireground need to be consistent across DFES, DEC and Local Government. In particular, the operational procedure of Red Flag Warnings needs to be adopted by all WA fire agencies.

WA fire agencies adopt a common set of standing orders, operational procedures, training and competencies for rural firefighting that are produced in hard copy, leading to integrated multi-agency training, IMTs, Regional and State coordination/control centres.

The Department of Environment and Conservation review its practices and procedures in the undertaking of prescribed burns so as to fully utilise the skills available to it in a seamless way including but not limited to: · volunteer bushfire brigades, especially in regard to use as a source of local advice; and · staff of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia.

The Department of Environment and Conservation explore human resourcing models that: · make succession planning a priority; · look at options for the attraction and retention of staff; and · review how the salary levels of staff matches the decision making required in major activities such as prescribed burns.

The Department of Environment and Conservation review the utility of its current regional model in terms of the capability of operational centres such as Kirup to service major fire activity on land proximate to the rural urban area (this recommendation should also be considered in the context of Recommendation 5).

The Ministers for Emergency Services, Environment and Police ensure that their departments develop as a high priority a computer system for tracking their staff and the number of traumatic events they have attended over a particular period.

The Ministers for Environment, Police, Child Protection and Emergency Services fund additional chaplaincy services, particularly for staff and volunteers based in rural and regional Western Australia.

The State’s emergency response agencies should offer exit interviews to all of their staff and volunteers and use the information they gather to improve their trauma management procedures.

Departmental chief executives of the Western Australia Police, Department of Environment and Conservation and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority should be made personally responsible for the psychological health (as a result of critical incident trauma) of their staff and volunteers. This obligation should be reflected in their performance agreements.

The Ministers for Emergency Services, Environment and Police provide additional funds in the 2013-14 Budget so that the State’s emergency response agencies can implement a Psychological First Aid approach to preparing staff to deal with critical incidents and disasters, as is used in other Australian jurisdictions.

The Minister for Police immediately instigate processes to ensure that the psychological well-being of officers is at the forefront of the Western Australia Police’s staff planning. These processes should include all officers being trained in psychological first aid, with subsequent regular refresher courses. Senior officers should be the first priority for psychological first aid training.

The Western Australian Government amend current State occupational health and safety legislation so that it includes a definition for ‘health’ that includes psychological health.

The Premier amend Clause 35 of the Public Sector Award 1992 so that State Government employees who volunteer to assist the Australian Red Cross during a disaster are not required to take personal or annual leave.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority request the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council to include a new module in the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System to guide the provision of welfare services for emergency service workers during a disaster.

The Minister for Health immediately establish the road trauma counselling service to be funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account.

The Minister for Emergency Services and the Minister for Police provide additional resources so that the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Western Australia Police can at least double their number of peer support officers, with an aim to increase the number in regional areas of the State.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Department of Environment and Conservation and Western Australia Police explore the usefulness of using retired staff as mentors or peer supporters, either directly employed or through a suitable nongovernment organisation.

The Ministers for Emergency Services, Environment and Police request their departments to place some of their staff and resources providing trauma-related services in regional Western Australia.

The Attorney General and the Ministers for Health and Mental Health fund their departments to establish a peer support program by the end of 2013 for their staff undertaking stressful tasks during a disaster or critical incident.

The Minister for Emergency Services ensure that the Fire and Emergency Services Authority’s peer support program is rejuvenated as soon as possible with increased funding to provided added training for staff volunteering for this program

The Coroner’s Act 1996 should be amended to give the Coroner jurisdiction to investigate fires that do not cause death, and that the Coroner should be suitably resourced to undertake investigations of the kind the subject of this Report.

The review of the Health Act 1911 (WA) should include the following amendments:
- enabling high risk or adventure sport activities to be subject to the events approval process currently applicable to ‘public buildings’ and;
- that a requirement be introduced for organisers of eligible events to provide medical and risk management plans to relevant authorities for assessment—prior to any event approval being completed.

The Department of Sport and Recreation facilitate the development of an Adventure Activity Standard for ultramarathons in order to determine a minimum safety standard for the sport.

The role of district and local emergency management committees should be reviewed to ensure they are appropriately engaged in the active management of emergencies across the PPR R continuum

Legislative change may be needed to enable FES A to manage fire-fighting resources across the state.

There would be benefit in progressively aligning the geographic boundaries of each of the agencies and seeking to co-locate their headquarters within those boundaries.

Suitably experienced personnel with local knowledge should be connected to the Operations and Planning section in all Level 3 incidents in the vicinity of substantial settlements.

The Minister for Emergency Services institute a thorough review by December 2012, including a comparison to other jurisdictions, of the risk analysis processes used by FESA, the Police and DEC to prepare them to protect the State from bushfires and other natural disasters.

The Minister for Emergency Services introduce by the 2012-13 bushfire season psychological testing of all FESA career staff and bushfire and rescue volunteers.

The Minister for Emergency Services and the Minister for Environment develop by December 2012 a Volunteer Charter that recognises the important work undertaken by the State’s volunteer bushfire and emergency services personnel.

The Minister for Emergency Services and the Minister for Local Government review and report to Parliament by May 2012 on ways in which the State’s volunteer firefighters and rescue workers can be more effectively managed and valued.

The Minister for Environment bring to Parliament by June 2012 amendments to the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 that reflect the use by the Department of Environment and Conservation of prescribed burns for both biodiversity conservation and community protection purposes.

FESA needs to place greater priority on the appointment of Safety Advisors to Level 3 incidents as is reflected in WESTPLAN Bushfire.

Emergency Management Western Australia establish an inter-agency working group to continue the development of the new single emergency services Act.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) review its program to decommission vehicles and ensure that when such vehicles are offered during an incident that FESA staff adhere to FESA‟s own policy of „Use of Private Vehicles in Fires‟

Emergency Management Western Australia and the State Emergency Management Committee amend WESTPLAN-BUSHFIRE to require State Emergency Coordination Group meetings to be held at the State Coordination Centre in West Leederville.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority and local governments examine the current competencies of Chief Bushfire Control Officers and Community Emergency Services Managers (or Community Fire Managers) and consider what further development is needed to ensure these staff are capable of:
- measuring and mapping fuel loads
- maintaining fuel load databases
- drawing up prescriptions for, and overseeing controlled burns
- building effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority review its use of the Australian Interagency Incident Management System to ensure that the most appropriate resources (including aerial resources) are used to respond to an incident. If resources are rejected during an incident either through the decision making process or other grounds, the reason for the decision should be documented.

The State Emergency Management Committee amend State Emergency Management Policy 4.1 (Operational Management) to: give clear and explicit direction about when and how an incident should be declared clearly articulate the actions to be taken clearly define accountabilities provide detailed criteria for elevating issues and engaging other agencies.

The State Government move the responsibility for the management and distribution of the Emergency Services Levy to the Department of Finance.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority and local governments examine the current competencies of Chief Bushfire Control Officers and Community Emergency Services Managers (or Community Fire Managers) and consider what further development is needed to ensure these staff are capable of: measuring and mapping fuel loads maintaining fuel load databases drawing up prescriptions for, and overseeing controlled burns building effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority develop formal procedures for mandating the completion of Incident Action Plans, ensuring the documents are detailed and that they record critical decision making.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority develop formal procedures for mandating the completion of Incident Action Plans, ensuring the documents are detailed and that they record critical decision making.

The State Government amend section 50 of the Emergency Management Act 2005 to allow the Chair of the State Emergency Coordination Group to declare an emergency situation.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority and local governments ensure that Community Emergency Service Managers are physically based in local government.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority immediately comply with the provisions of WESTPLAN BUSHFIRE and formally declare incidents at their appropriate level and document and communicate those decisions in a similar way to the systems used by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Western Australian Police.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority immediately comply with the provisions of WESTPLAN BUSHFIRE and formally declare incidents at their appropriate level and document and communicate those decisions in a similar way to the systems used by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Western Australian Police.

The State Emergency Management Committee amend State Emergency Management Policy 4.1 (Operational Management) to:
- give clear and explicit direction about when and how an incident should be declared
- clearly articulate the actions to be taken
- clearly define accountabilities
- provide detailed criteria for elevating issues and engaging other agencies.

The State Government move the responsibility for the management and distribution of the Emergency Services Levy to the Department of Finance.

The State Government reaffirm its 2009 decision to approve DEC exercising greater flexibility in managing smoke within national guidelines, in order to achieve its prescribed burn program.

The State Government give legislative effect to the Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines.

The Western Australian Police and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority jointly examine the Traffic Management System developed in response to the 2009 Victorian bushfires and seek its adaptation to use in WA with additional attention to the access and egress by bona fide residents to areas that are evacuated.

The State Government restructure the Fire and Emergency Services Authority as a Department. 22 As part of this restructure, Emergency Management Western Australia should either be: 1. clearly separated from the fire and emergency services response function (see figure 2); or 2. moved to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (see figures 3 and 4) or 3. moved to the Attorney-General’s department (see figures 3 and 5).

The Interagency Bushfire Management Committee develop a consistent program of education, training (including media), testing and review of Level 3 Incident Controllers.
This should include provision for a formal review of the performance of individual Level 3 Incident Controllers after every incident

The Committee recommends the provision of substantial funds to improve road infrastructure in the Mitcham Hills to be spent over the 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 budgets.

DEC should emphasise the principle of foresight by adopting an appreciation and decision making process and training staff in that process.

A staff recognition and reward framework for service to fire management should be considered for DEC fire staff.

DEC should consider publishing a new reference document that describes policy, doctrine and key systems of work of the fire management system. This document would be a “brief case” or “back pack” reference and would be reviewed annually and issued to all senior staff and fire management personnel.

The DEC Fire Management Policy should be reviewed and updated.

A DEC fire management staff succession plan would minimise the loss of core fire management skills and experience in the future and provide a planned approach to development of prospective fire management staff.

The DEC corporate statement should affirm a strong commitment to fire management.

The Hazard Management Agency for bushfire has not been defined. Defining the HMA for bushfire should be addressed.

FESA implements measures that will ensure unity and clarity of command.

FESA reviews its approach to safety and safety culture.

FESA identifies and documents its information requirements for end-to-end information exchange and then assess the adequacy of current systems to meet these information requirements.

FESA establishes a process (and associated systems and policies) to mobilise staff to an incident, incorporating pre-formed multi-agency Incident Management Teams. The development of Incident Management Teams should align with the principles of seamless and integrated escalation of command and control arrangements, and be based on a whole of capability approach (people, organisations, systems, training, procedures etc.).

That further amendments be made to the Bush Fires Act 1954 be drafted to provide fire response agencies with the necessary authorisation and statutory protection to respond to a fire on private property, or land that Local Government, Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) or FESA is responsible for, until such time as the responsible agency is able to attend and take control. The amendments to be drafted, in conjunction with the urgent progression of critical amendments as recommended by the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee.

The prioritising of the critical amendments to the Bush Fires Act 1954 recommended by the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee that relate to fire management, ie: a. Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA)‘s ability to assume control of a fire in specific circumstances b. Amendments to the definition of property c. Providing FESA with the authority to declare a total fire ban

The Interagency Guidelines need to be amended to reflect what is operationally possible with regard to risk management rather than what is required to achieve an absence of risk.

The ISU should be provided with a person with local knowledge at Level 3 incidents.

Transport plans for BFB resources should be prepared by the Ground Support Unit in close liaison with FESA who will liaise with the home jurisdictions of the brigades. Moving personnel whilst leaving the equipment at the fire ground staging areas is preferred to moving equipment in and out with every shift.

The Emergency Management Regulations 2006 be urgently amended to determine a HMA(s) for bushfire.

Pre-season refresher training to include an emphasis on check in/out procedures

Pre-season multi- agency refresher training for Ground Controllers should be undertaken each year.

A strategically located Staging Area serviced with check in/out personnel should be considered as early as possible at incidents involving an extended attack.

Unassigned resources arriving at incidents should be encouraged to make themselves known and to undertake alternate duties.

All incidents where the HMA delegates the authority to manage suppression operations to another agency on its behalf, should be achieved via a written delegation setting out the scope, limitations and duration of the delegation.

The role of ‘BFB Task Force Liaison’ be defined and appropriately trained personnel be provided by the HMA (possibly from support brigades) to facilitate brigade movements on and off the fire ground.

The Emergency Management Act 2005 is amended to provide a mechanism for one HMA to transfer responsibility to another HMA and ensure that both HMA’s are provided the powers and protection necessary under that Act.

Media liaison personnel are needed to ‘ride’ shotgun’ on media personnel to facilitate them getting their stories without imposing on the effectiveness of operations.

That a review be conducted of DEC’s ability to manage major fires and consideration be given to increased direct involvement by FESA in fire management role in the case of major fires on reserves or on unallocated Crown lands.

That if the Bushfires Amendment Bill 2009 is to be enacted, procedures be put in place which would ensure that in the event of an escalating fire, FESA would receive sufficient information to make an informed judgment as to whether or not to take control of all operations.

Agencies should: ensure their internal emergency management arrangements are up-to-date and regularly reviewed

Agencies should: ensure their Westplans and support plans have supporting local arrangements in place

SEMC and EM WA should: review procedures for plan preparation and approval so that agencies can prepare their plans in a more timely way

SEMC and EM WA should: submit outstanding legislative changes to Parliament as a matter of priority

SEMC and EM WA should: ensure agencies fulfil their obligations under the Act

Agencies should: identify overlaps between Westplans and develop written procedures for these circumstances

Agencies should: update out-of-date Westplans and support plans as a matter of urgency

SEMC and EM WA should: define key roles within the emergency management framework

Agencies should: train their staff who will be involved in emergencies in incident management.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service cause to be included among the SACFS’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) a requirement that Incident
Management Teams responsible for the management of bushfire incidents make all reasonable attempts to contact and maintain contact with the owners and/or occupiers of rural land on which a fire is situated.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service develop as part of competency for inclusion on a Level 2 or Level 3 Incident Management Team a minimum requirement of demonstrated skill and competency in risk assessment.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service identify and impart minimum skills and competencies to members who fulfil the roles of the four core AIIMS functionaries of a Level 2 Incident Management Team.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service cause to be included among the SACFS’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) a requirement that Incident
Management Teams responsible for the management of bushfire incidents make all reasonable attempts to contact and maintain contact with the owners and/or occupiers of rural land on which a fire is situated.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service reinforce in the minds of all Incident Management Team members, in particular but not limited to the Incident Controller and Planning Officer, of the need to conduct a full risk assessment that not only addresses operational risk, but the risk posed to the general public by an existing incident and at all times to consider and identify the ‘worst case scenario’ outcome.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service utilise wherever possible the skills of paid, professional staff to perform the roles of Incident Controller and/or Planning Officer in Level 2 Incident Management Teams.

That the Minister for Emergency Services, the South Australian Country Fire Service, the South Australia Police and the South Australian Farmers’ Federation together continue to develop strategies to reduce the risk of harm to private firefighters and in particular:
a) Formulate a code of practice to ensure that the South Australian Country Fire Service and the South Australia Police are aware of the presence of private firefighters and private fire appliances at a fireground so as to discourage the ad hoc deployment of private firefighters and private farm appliances;
b) Develop an education program for private firefighters dealing with implementation of safe practices for private firefighters, with emphasis on but not limited to, consideration of the effect of wind changes and the
dangers associated with proceeding into a fireground with lack of information about the existing circumstances pertaining to that fireground.
c) Formulate a structure whereby private firefighters at a fireground act in conjunction with, and not separately from, South Australian Country Fire Service resources;
d) Develop protocols relating to minimum requirements in respect of reliability of private firefighting units, dress for private firefighters, the need for appropriate radio communication, but not limited to those issues;
e) Develop a position within the structure of Level 2 and Level 3 Incident Management Teams of a Private Firefighting Liaison Officer.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service reinforce in the minds of those Officers who perform the role of Regional Duty Officer the need to deliver to the Deputy State Coordinator timely, accurate and relevant information pertaining to an ongoing fire incident.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service design tuition courses aimed specifically at developing among its members skill and competency in identifying and implementing feasible and appropriate containment measures designed to bring control to a fire incident so as to minimise the risk posed to the general public.

That South Australian Country Fire Service create and develop the role of a Regional Public Warnings Officer as a member of the paid staff of the SACFS whose role it would be to identify the need for, and to deliver, timely bushfire warnings to the public during the course of a bushfire incident.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Minister for Local Government cause local council plant and equipment that is suitable for use in bushfire fighting be fitted with radios connected to the Government Radio Network.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service reinforce in the minds of those Officers who perform the role of Regional Duty Officer the duties and responsibilities attaching to that position insofar as they apply to an ongoing fire incident, and in particular to recognise the need to conduct a risk assessment in relation to an incident and the need to scrutinise, evaluate and validate the strategies and Incident Action Plans of Incident Management Teams.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service develop as part of competency for inclusion on a Level 2 or Level 3 Incident Management Team a minimum requirement of demonstrated skill and competency in identifying and implementing feasible and appropriate containment measures designed to bring control to a fire incident so as to minimise the risk posed to the general public.

That the Minister for Emergency Services, the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service, the President of the Farmers’ Federation of South Australia and the Minister for Local Government, with a view to developing a Code of Practice, establish a body to investigate the impact of existing farming practices on bushfire risk and prevention. 

That the Minister for Emergency Services, the Minister for Environment, the Chief Officer of the CFS and the Native Vegetation Council, together develop a Code of Practice relating to the management of native vegetation as it affects bushfire prevention.

That the Minister for Emergency Services and the Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service cause to be included among the SACFS’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) a requirement that Incident
Management Teams responsible for a bushfire incident seek advice from the owners and/or occupiers of rural land on which a fire is situated as to the possible firefighting strategies and possible containment measures that might be implemented in order to bring a fire on the land under control, and to take such advice into consideration in the management of the incident.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service design tuition courses aimed specifically at developing among its members skill and competency in risk assessment.

That the South Australian Country Fire Service create as part of a Level 2 and 3 Incident Management Team Logistics Division an Officer whose function it is to seek out, locate and identify sources of water, be they on land or provided by carrier.

The development of a more efficient, user-friendly website

Paid administrative support at the Brigade/Local level

Engendering strong working relationships between volunteers and paid staff within the Emergency Services Sector

Clarity of Role with regard to legislative and policy requirements

Reduce the number of hours per month attending meetings

Fresh consideration be given to the title of Commissioner of Fire and Emergencies so as to ensure it does not give the impression that it is operationally superior to the Chief Officers of the emergency service agencies. 

Provisions remain in the FES Act relating to the emergency service organisations being separate legal entities. 

The selection procedures in the Regulations for SACFS officer positions be reviewed in terms of ensuring that appropriate skills and experience are considered. 

Provisions in the FES Act relating to, “land management principles” be reviewed in consultation with appropriate agencies and having due regard to the recommendations of the Wangary Coronial Inquest. 

Sections 68 and 116 – provisions relating to the establishment/dissolution of SACFS Brigades and SASES Units be amended so as to retain the head of power in the principal FES Act and that the procedural provisions within each of these sections be placed in the Regulations. 

SAFECOM in consultation with SAMFS consider the merits of amending Sections 49- 51 to replace the right to appeal from the District Court to the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission. 

The presiding member of the Advisory Board appointed under Section 18(4) be also appointed as a member of the SAFECOM Board. 

Where in the FES Act reference is made to, ‘an officer of the National Parks and Wildlife Service’ this be removed and replaced with, ‘an officer of the Department for Environment and Heritage’. 

Further to Recommendations 11 and 12 above concerning the joining of Sections 56 and 83 of the FES Act, that these existing provisions be examined to determine whether they provide sufficient authority to address Recommendation 29.9(4) of the Wangary Coronial Inquest so as to require the owners or occupiers of rural land to create fire breaks and/or the removal of flammable materials from the land, as measures for preventing  the outbreak of a bushfire, or for preventing the spread or extension of a bushfire. 

Accountability for matters of policy, strategy and resource allocation for the emergency services sector, currently the province of the Board, be given to the position created in Recommendation 3 above. 

The Regulations be amended to include appropriate references to the Unit Managers Advisory Group (SASES) consistent with those of the Group Committee (SACFS). 

Nominations for candidates for SACFS group elections be received both by written nomination and by oral nomination. 

Section 90 – provisions relating to smoking, and throwing burning material be removed from the principal FES Act and placed in the Regulations. 

Provisions be included in the Regulations for mediation in appropriate circumstances.

Provisions in Section 11(1)(e)(i) and (ii) relating to appointments of volunteer associations to the SAFECOM Board be removed. 

As a matter of priority, SAFECOM examine what further measures can be taken to provide support and protection for volunteers as potential witnesses in public enquiries. 

The FES Act be amended to create the position which currently has the working title of ‘Commissioner of Fire and Emergencies’ to replace the position of CE and that the FES Act be amended in places where this position is mentioned. 

Regulation 8(4)(b) be amended to allow persons of or above 16 years of age to register as fire-fighters. 

Crown law opinion be obtained to determine whether additional functions now undertaken by the Commission following the devolvement of the functions of the Security and Emergency Management Office (SEMO) require an amendment to the FES Act. 

Section 88 – requirement to carry fire extinguishers in a caravan be removed from the principal FES Act and placed in the Regulations. 

Regulations 22 and 62 be reviewed to ensure reports regarding conduct must be relevant to the enquiry. 

Section 92 include the facility to issue a warrant for the relevant authority to break into land or buildings for the purposes of determining what measures have been taken for the prevention, control or suppression of fire or for the prevention of, or for dealing with, the escape of hazardous materials; and that costs and expenses in doing so are recoverable. 

Regulation 48 regarding prescribed offences be amended to include Section 79(2)(e) or its equivalent under the amendment proposed in Recommendation 22 above. 

Liability and immunity as these provisions apply in Section 127 be reassessed in terms of burden of proof so as to ensure the best protection for volunteers. 

The FES Act be amended to include a definition of ‘operations’ and/or ‘operational’. 

So as to increase the pool of volunteers from which the Minister can appoint Advisory Board members, Section 18(3)(c) and (d) be amended to include nominations from the Group Committee (SACFS) and Unit Managers Advisory Group (SASES). 

All Regulations relating to constitutions be deleted; the FES Act be amended to allow the Chief Officers to prescribe the constitution; and the process for the management of a SACFS brigade/group and a SASES unit to be in the form of an administrative instruction. 

Consistent with the requirement for Emergency Service Organisations, the FES Act be amended to require South Australian Fire and Emergency Commission (SAFECOM) to submit a workforce plan to the Board. 

With the implementation of the Ministerial Review of Bushfire Management in South Australia, consideration should be given to provisions within Part 4, Division 7 of the principal FES Act which would be more appropriately placed in the Regulations. 

Divisions and Subdivisions and Regulations 22 and 62 headings relating to conduct and discipline be changed to have similar wording and should include, “Conduct, Discipline and Grievance Procedures for Members”. 

Sections 56 and 83 (amended as suggested above) include the facility to issue a warrant for the relevant authority to break into land or buildings to carry out requirements regarding flammable undergrowth or material; and that costs and expenses in doing so are recoverable. 

Following the amendment to Section 79 as proposed above in Recommendation 22, a definition of, ‘properly constructed fire place’ and ‘properly constructed incinerator’ be included in the new Regulation. 

A schedule for revocation of permits be included in the Regulations. 

The preamble of the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) Act be amended to include a stronger emphasis on the strategic and policy purposes of the Commission, highlighting its key role in the governance of the emergency services sector.

The United Firefighters Union of Australia – SA Branch (UFU) be given full voting rights on the Advisory Board. 

Where in the FES Act reference is made to ‘South Australian Volunteer Fire-Brigades Association’ this be removed and replaced with, ‘Country Fire Service Volunteers Association’. 

The FES Act be amended so as to allow the Chief Executive (CE) to manage the Commission (SAFECOM) Office by removing provisions relative to the SAFECOM Board’s managerial and administrative oversight of the Commission. 

Section 79(1) – provisions relating to lighting or maintaining a fire in the open air during the fire danger season be retained in the principal FES Act; Section 79(2) be amended to provide that a fire may be lit or maintained in accordance with the Regulations; provisions specifying the conditions under which a fire can be lit or maintained, and currently under Section 79(2), be placed in the Regulations. 

Section 70(12) (relating to disciplinary action) be amended to include, where the officer is an employee of a government agency, the Chief Officer shall advise an appropriate representative of the agency prior to any disciplinary action being taken. 

Sections 56 and 83 be repealed and replaced with a single section which unifies their provisions. 

The definition of ‘officer’ in Section 3 be amended to include reference to the designation being made by the Chief Officer. 

With the implementation of the Ministerial Review of Bushfire Management in South Australia, the provisions in Sections 84 and 85 be reviewed in terms of enforcing hazard reduction on council or Crown land. 

All members of the proposed reconstituted SAFECOM Board be given full voting rights. 

Where in the FES Act reference is made to ‘South Australian Volunteer Fire-Brigades Association’ this be removed and replaced with, ‘Country Fire Service Volunteers Association’. 

Crown law opinion be obtained as to what amendments, if necessary or appropriate, are required to satisfy Recommendation 29.9(7) of the Wangary Coronial Inquest, that a dedicated bushfire prevention officer be appointed.

The secondment of a resource person(s) to an affected local authority to support the work of that authority in its response to a natural disaster be effected.

That Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA), in consultation with local governments, develop and make broadly available Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) guidelines with a view to improving pre-disaster awareness of assistance measures and application processes.

That the ‘opportunity cost’ for Local Authorities in meeting the 25% contribution to the restoration of eligible public assets damaged by a natural disaster event be considered when FESA and Main Roads Western Australia, in consultation with Western Australian Local Government Authority, investigate a more equitable means of calculating the local government contribution to road and infrastructure restoration costs as recommended in Recommendation 1.

That Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia and Main Roads Western Australia, in consultation with the Western Australian Local Government Association, investigate a more equitable means of calculating the local government contribution to road and infrastructure restoration costs. In particular consideration should be given to regulations applying in the eastern states i.e. Queensland.

That the guidelines of WANDRA be revised to provide for the inclusion of the cost of materials expended in the repair of boundary fences.

That the Department of Treasury and Finance, in consultation with FESA, consider alternative funding arrangements to alleviate the need for FESA to ‘underwrite’ NDRA costs during the year.

That, in tandem with their consideration of local government cost sharing arrangements under WANDRA (refer Recommendation 1), the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and Main Roads Western Australia also establish ‘exceptional circumstances’ criteria to provide for additional assistance to local government where it may be warranted in order to avoid undue financial pressure caused by delays to secure reimbursement.

That consideration be given to the establishment of a ‘Heritage Reserve Fund’ that might underwrite urgent initial repairs to private heritage listed properties.

The requirement for a rural council to establish a District Bushfire Prevention Committees under section 75 of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 is removed.

Bushfire Management Committees will have the following functions:
- Develop, implement and monitor a Bushfire Management Plan for its area of responsibility;
- Forum for discussion and familiarisation between organisations, agencies and individuals, leading to cooperative and coordinated bushfire management;
- Forum for discussion between the community and organisations/agencies;
- Monitoring and reporting bushfire management activities to the State Bushfire Coordination Committee;
- Collaborative community education and consultation;
- Refer issues and recommendations with wider policy implications to the State Bushfire Coordination Committee;
- Required to meet quarterly with a period of time set aside that is devoted as “question-time’ for individuals and the community;
- Required to hold a minimum of one community forum each year;
- Reports to the State Bushfire Coordination Committee.

The principle of developing Codes of Practice for Bushfire Management, referenced in the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act and Regulations 2005 be endorsed and further developed by the State Bushfire Coordination Committee.

The requirement to establish Regional Bushfire Prevention Committees under section 73 of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, is removed.

The State Bushfire Coordination Committee will have the following members with experience in bushfire management:
- The Chief Officer, SACFS, who is the Chairperson;
- An officer of the SA Metropolitan Fire Service;
- An officer from Forestry SA;An officer of the Department of Environment and Heritage;
- A person from the Local Government Association of South Australia;
- A person from the Farmers Federation of South Australia;
- An officer of Planning SA with bushfire-prone areas development experience;
- A person from the Conservation Council of South Australia;
- A person from the Natural Resource Management Council;
- An officer of SA Water;
- A person from the Outback Areas Community Development Trust;
- A SACFS officer who is a volunteer, nominated by the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association;
- An officer from the Department for Transport and Infrastructure;
- An officer from SA Police;
- An Executive Officer from the SA Country Fire Service.
- Planning SA, Natural Resource Management Council,

SA Country Fire Service to be responsible for Bushfire Management Plan preparation, analysis of future risks trends based on investigation and executive support to Bushfire Management Committees.

The SA Bushfire Prevention Advisory Committee established under section 71 of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, is removed and replaced with the State Bushfire Coordination Committee.

The State Bushfire Coordination Committee will have the following functions:
- Develop policy, procedures, codes of practice and standards for bushfire management in South Australia;
- Develop, implement and monitor the State Bushfire Management Plan, which will be the Bushfire Hazard Plan under the Emergency Management Act 2004;
- Governance and performance monitoring of bushfire management activities;
- Ensure that there is state-wide coordination and integration of all bushfire management activities;
- Provide advice, guidance and direction on policy for Bushfire Management Committees;
- Convene an Annual Forum for Bushfire Management Committees;
- Resolve disputes at the Bushfire Management Committee level;
- Constitutes and determines the area of responsibility of a Bushfire Management Committee; 
- May, at any time, establish advisory groups;
- Make recommendations to the Minister;
- Report to Minister on matters referred by Minister;
- Reports to the Minister for Emergency Services through the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission Board.

The area of responsibility for Bushfire Management Committees will be established based on bushfire risk and the capacity of the area to cooperate and collaborate.

The requirement to establish a Bushfire Management Committee is inserted into the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.

Bushfire Management Committees be given the appropriate powers under the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 to ensure that bushfire management strategies that have been identified in a Bushfire Management Plan or any other action to reduce bushfire risk, are completed by individuals, the community, agencies or organisations.

The State Bushfire Coordination Committee work with the Native Vegetation Council to develop more streamlined processes for the prescribed burning of native vegetation for hazard reduction.

The requirement for a rural council to appoint a suitably qualified Fire Prevention Officer under section 77 of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 is removed.

Bushfire Management Committees will have the following members who reside and/or are employed/assigned in the area of responsibility, with experience in bushfire management:
- A regional officer of the SA Country Fire Service;
- A senior SACFS officer(s), who is a volunteer, nominated by the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association, with a maximum of two;
- A local government officer(s), nominated by the relevant Regional Local Government Association, with a maximum of two;
- An officer of the SA Metropolitan Fire Service, where applicable;
- An officer from Forestry SA, where applicable;
- An officer of the Department of Environment and Heritage, where applicable; A landholder recommended by the Farmers Federation of South Australia;
- An officer of South Australian Police;
- An officer from the Department of Transport and Infrastructure, where applicable;
- A person nominated by the Natural Resource Management Board(s);
- An officer of SA Water, where applicable;
- A person nominated by the community;
- Any other member with relevant bushfire management experience approved by the State Bushfire Coordination Committee;
- An Executive Officer from the SA Country Fire Service.

The current provisions for permit to light and maintain fire under Section 81 of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Act and Regulations 2005 to be reviewed for improvement with an accreditation for a self-regulation process.

The Committee recommends that the government provide authority to a single community representative body to authorise clearing of native vegetation for fire management. (The community representative body must incorporate the CFS, DEH, Native Vegetation Council and local council)

The Committee recommends that prescribed burning should only be undertaken by professionally trained personnel.

The Committee recommends that government consider options for assistance (including cost sharing) for farmers to fence native vegetation areas on private property affected by the Wangary fire.

The Committee recommends that the native vegetation planning and approval process for prescribed burning be amended to allow flexibility for burning on optimum days.

The Committee recommends that the Native Vegetation Council have a consistent approach to prescribed burning on both public and private lands.

The Committee recommends that the Native Vegetation Act be amended to allow for prescribed burning.

The Committee recommends that training be provided to landholders to enable them to assist with prescribed burns.

Firefighting organisations should: address their key training and development issues

Government should: establish emergency management legislation which clarifies State and local government responsibilities, and which rectifies the deficiencies in the State’s bushfire Emergency Management Plan, Westplan Wildfire.

That care be exercised in recommending the application of emergency bush fire periods so that they will not be applied to districts where their application is unnecessary.

All local authorities form advisory committees of persons from bush fire brigades and of bush fire control officers to plan co-operation in effort and co-ordination between brigades, to group brigades under brigade group officers and to advise the local authority upon all matters of fire control, including the planning of the district firebreak layout and prosecuting for breaches of the Bush Fires Act.

The State Emergency Service be used to meet any additional needs but that as far as possible, requests for assistance be directed in the first instance to the Bush Fires Board or at least referred to that Board by the State Emergency Service for advice before action is taken.

Before the bush fire season starts, the Minister on the recommendation of the Board nominate a person and a deputy person who will be instructed to take charge of fire fighting operations in each district should a dangerous fire occur and render such an appointment advisable.

A fund be established to subsidise the purchase of equipment for bush fire brigades but that the granting of subsidies depend upon a certificate being received from the Bush Fires Board that the brigade in question is of a standard that will be available at all times for effective use and that adequate facilities are available for its storage and maintenance at a centre suitable for the brigade.

That needs in the direction of a fire emergency service be met as far as practicable by the Bush Fires Board in its training programme and in the tactical organisation of existing brigades for use as reserves in districts other than their own.

The Bush Fires Board appoint a Regional Committee of Board members co-opt local members for each climatic region of the State to study the bush fire control problems of the region and advise the Board so that inter alia adequate attention may be given by the Board to co-ordinating the beginning and termination of the prohibited burning times in adjoining districts and to any advisable variations of these duties according to seasonal conditions each year.

No opportunity be lost of encouraging the formation of bush fire brigades and the maintenance of enthusiasm and that the Bush Fires Board assist the brigades in any way possible to obtain adequate training and equipment.

The management of all National Parks in the State be concentrated under one authority to ensure co-ordination in administration and protective measures.

The Bush Fires Board appoint a Standing Committee of about six of its members, all of whom are likely to be available at any time during the bush fire season to meet and take executive action as necessary.

The relative seniority of bush fire control officers be determined with a view to appointing group leaders as chief bush fire control officers. The Shire Clerk should generally be a liaison bush fire control officer rather than a chief fire control officer.

A committee be formed and provided with the finance necessary to enable it to supplement the activities of the local bush fire brigades in districts in the far south-west of the State where ratable values are particularly low and the proportion of Crown lands high, and that the Forests Department be authorised to give approval for control burning of Crown lands throughout the State by bushfire brigades within two miles of a State Forest and that outside this distance the Bush Fires Board through its wardens have similar authority.

All members of the Board be selected for their interest in and experience and knowledge of matters directly associated with bush fire control and not merely as representatives of particular organisations, that the Chairman of the Board be appointed by the Governor instead of being an ex officio appointment of another forester, a member of the timber industry, a police officer and a person with a sound knowledge of weather and its effect upon fire behaviour. 

Local authorities select bush fire control officers for their knowledge and experience of bush fires and their qualities of leadership and that as far as practicable, they be captains of bush fire brigades so that the person issuing the permit to burn has the responsibility of extinguishing the fire if it escapes. 

The Forests Department direct more staff to the planning and co-ordination of its bush fire control organisation so that emergency conditions can be met immediately by ample reserves of labour and equipment and that co-ordination between the Department, the local authority, sawmills and other sources of man-power and equipment in and around forestry districts is as complete as possible. This particularly includes co-operative protective burning around the boundaries of forest areas.