INQ288

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that a review and reform of the Fire Services Act 1979 is necessary.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that volunteer firefighters are at risk of being undervalued and underrated and that the Government should use best endeavours to ensure the full acknowledgement and recognition of these services.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that the Government should undertake a review of how firefighting equipment and gear in Tasmania can be better standardised with interstate equipment and gear to improve cross-jurisdiction resource utilisation.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, the State Fire Commission introduces key performance indicators reporting in relation to its work in community engagement to measure its success in program delivery and community engagement.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that the State Fire Commission should assess whether community engagement programs of the State Fire Services and State Emergency should be centralised.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that the Fuel Reduction Burn Program should be maintained and have its budget directly funded to ensure that the program continues and does not hinder other services or programs.

The Committee recommends the State Fire Commission be fully reimbursed for the costs of the State Emergency Service transfer in years 2014 to 2017.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that the Government should aim to establish a centralised funding model for the State Fire Service and State Emergency Services and to investigate the best options to progress this objective to ensure the sustainability of these services.

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that section 107 of the Fire Service Act should be amended to provide greater clarity in relation to discretionary spending by the Chief Officer or alternatively, the Act should be amended to include the authorisation for the State Fire Commissi

The Committee finds that on the evidence presented, that the State Government should establish an independent Chair to govern the State Fire Commission and that this governance arrangement should be included in the reform of the governing legislation.