RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INQUIRY INTO THE PROPOSED RESTUCTURING OF THE Australian Capital Territory EMERGENCY SERVICES

Recommendations

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, chaired by Paul Osborne MLA, has forwarded the following recommendations, from the "Inquiry into the proposed restructuring of the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services", to the Australian Capital Territory Government.

1. The Commitee recommends that the Government improves its consultative mechanisms with volunteers in the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service and Australian Capital Territory Bushfire Service, taking account of the strong views expressed during the Commitee's inquiry. Furthur, the Government should make a statement in the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly on its new consultative mechanisms later in 1997.
   
2. Given the concern about Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service roles and responsibilities, loss of identity and confusion about who the lead combatant is for assistance to the community for storm and tempest, the Committee recommends that the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service be given lead combat responsibility for storm damage and flooding within the Australian Capital Territory
   
3. The Committee recommends that the Government utilise the kitchen facilities at the former Belconnen emergency Service Unit by establishing a Food Preparation Unit of Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service volunteers.
   
4. The Committee recommends that the Government, in consultation with Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service volunteers, investigate the possible purchase or hire of more appropriate vehicles to meet the needs of the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service.
   
5. The Committee recommends that the Government include the roles and responsibilities of the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service in the Emergency Management legislation expected to be introduced in the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly during 1997. Such legislation should also include indemnity provisions for Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service volunteers agoinst liability for damage or personal injury.
   
6. The Committee recommends that the Government introduce a system whereby Australian Capital Territory Emergency Service and Australian Capital Territory Bushfire volunteers are recognized for their contribution to the community after five and ten years service.

Extract from:
Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory

Standing Committee on Legal Affairs

Report No. 4

"Inquiry into the proposed restructuring of the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services"

June 1997