Report of Operations 2007-08 - CFA People
As at 30 June 2008, CFA had a total of 59,760 members, comprising 58,362 volunteers, 498 firefighters and 900 staff and officers. Table 15 provides comparative data for CFA's workforce over the period 2003 to 2008.
Table 15. CFA workforce data for current and previous reporting periods
| Type | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Volunteers | 59,136 | 58,583 | 58,662 | 58,849 | 59,509 | 58,3625 |
| Career firefighters | 425 | 438 | 431 | 464 | 494 | 498 |
| Support and administration staff | 750 | 774 | 813 | 837 | 837 | 900 |
| Total | 60,311 | 59,795 | 59,906 | 60,150 | 60,840 | 59,760 |
| Change from previous year | +4.0% | -0.86% | +0.19% | +0.41% | +1.15% | -1.67% |
5 The reduction in number of volunteers for 2007-08 reflects adjustment of administrative records for junior members in line with new management procedures.
Diversity within CFA
CFA has continued its focus on improving organisational awareness and capability in the management of diversity and relationships .This has involved integrated initiatives and programs to recognise diversity of backgrounds of members.
Key achievements in this reporting period are:
- diversity initiatives together with enhanced recruitment tools have resulted in female membership continuing on an upward trend by 3.3 per cent to a total of 10,971
- rollout of the Relationship and Diversity Awareness Program has continued with 3,273 staff and volunteers having attended
- the Relationship and Diversity program Phase Two focussed on the enhancement of CFA leadership capability in the area of relationship management
- focus groups have been held with CALD communities to inform recruitment and engagement
- CFA has continued Women and Career Firefighting Information forums which have resulted in an increased pool of female candidates and four female recruits graduating during the year
- in October 2007, CFA sent 20 delegates to the Diversity in Emergency Services Conference. In addition, CFA supported the Conference by participating in a trade display during the Conference.
Safety and Wellbeing
- CFA has implemented leading edge 'Children/Young Persons Protection' policy and new management procedures which have resulted in 251 brigades compliant with these policies and a total of 2,100 junior members
- Critical Incident Stress (CIS) programs have continued to be enhanced through the development and availability of 'Certificate IV in Community Services' to CIS peers
- volunteer support programs have been delivered to over 1,000 volunteers in drought-affected areas to enhance awareness of CFA's welfare services and other services provided by government and community agencies
- To support the implementation of CFA's 'Safety First' management system six project officers were engaged for the three year implementation period. As a result a broad range of safety audits have been completed and the first phase of the system's implementation has been undertaken.
- CFA gained the support of Cancer Council of Victoria to train a number of internal providers to deliver cancer awareness sessions internally as part of its 'Healthy for Life' program. During the reporting period, 111 sessions were delivered.
- CFA, as the coordinator of the emergency service volunteer health and wellbeing program, developed and introduced 'ESV Healthwatch' and 'Heartrack Online', two web-based health sites for volunteers
- compliance programs were maintained with 63 audits completed and a range of risk assessments undertaken
- CFA contributed to the review of OHS and accident compensation legislation.
Compensation
During 2007-08 compensation claims by volunteers decreased by approximately 47 per cent and staff claims increased by 12 per cent compared with the previous eight year averages as shown in Table 16.
Table 16. Compensation claims (based on injury date)
| Claims | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 8-year average |
| Volunteers | 177 | 149 | 222 | 217 | 115 | 215 |
| Employees | 86 | 89 | 114 | 105 | 113 | 99 |
The WorkSafe premiums are shown in Table 17 as a percentage of remuneration to enable a comparison with previous periods.
Table 17. WorkSafe premium
| Year | WorkSafe Premium |
| 2008-096 | 1.3331% |
| 2007-08 | 1.0896% |
| 2006-07 | 1.2032% |
| 2005-06 | 1.3259% |
| 2004-05 | 1.2299% |
| 2003-04 | 1.2861% |
6 This is the indicative premium for 2008-09.
Management of Talent
Strategic workforce planning work has continued with the key components being developed and tested and rollout education commenced.
A leadership development strategy has been developed and extensive consultation with volunteers, staff and unions and volunteer Associations completed.
Workforce Sustainability and Capabilities
- Delivery of CFA's career firefighter recruitment campaigns continued with 40 firefighter recruits graduating during the year and preparations complete for an additional 20 to commence a recruit course early in 2008-09.
- CFA's enhanced volunteer recruitment tools, in conjunction with local brigade activity, have seen membership numbers remaining relatively steady.
- CFA continued its strong working relationships with the volunteer Associations, enabling active involvement in the 'Valuing Volunteer' program. This resulted in additional funding of $288,000 being obtained for key volunteerism initiatives.
- The Emergency Memberlink program was enhanced following a review and feedback from members. The program has enhanced its range of discount offers and availability of benefits to regional and rural areas and was relaunched in April 2008.
- A comprehensive review of 'Administrative Support to Brigades' was undertaken with a report under consideration.
- CFA hosted a highly successful National Championships at Lakes Entrance in October 2007. In conjunction with the local organising committee and the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), this event showcased key emergency management initiatives and programs.
Renegotiation of Workplace Agreements
During this year CFA renegotiated a number of collective Workplace Agreements:
- Negotiation of the 'Professional Technical and Administrative Workplace Agreement' 2007 covering 630 employees was finalised in November 2007. This agreement is for three years and delivers on flexible employee work arrangements to meet volunteer after-hours availability requirements.
- Agreement on the 'Operational Staff Workplace Agreement' covering 643 employees was achieved in May 2008, however the process leading to formal lodgement is not expected to be completed until August-September 2008. Key outcomes of this agreement were provisions relating to use of sessional instructors and more flexible lateral entry and 'no contracting out' provisions.
- Also in May 2008, agreement was reached on the 'Operational Officers and Operational Managers Workplace Agreement' covering 99 employees, however the process leading to formal lodgement is not expected to be completed until August-September 2008. CFA secured additional funding commencing in 2008-09 for an extra 25 operations officer positions. In turn this allowed the agreement to deliver manageable relief provisions and the necessary resources to better service the needs of volunteers.
Learning and Development
Leadership and Professional Development
- An executive coaching program has been introduced to support the transition of new staff into an executive role. Five executives are currently participating in this program.
- all executive officers participated in a 360 degree feedback process and development discussion during the year
- The 'Fireline Leadership' program continues to be conducted as part of CFA's leadership development strategy for volunteers. Thirteen programs were conducted in 2007-08 and to date over 300 brigade leaders have attended this program.
- the sixth Diploma of Business program commenced with 18 participants
- thirty-five volunteers and five staff attended the CFA Challenge program
- studies assistance was provided for 35 staff undertaking external tertiary courses of study
- six volunteers and six staff were selected to attend AFAC leadership development programs at the Australian Institute of Police Management in Sydney.
CFA also supported a series of other professional development programs during 2007-08:
- 100 CFA members attended the 14th AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference in Hobart
- 37 professional development programs were conducted around the State
- 17 people commenced the second 'Certificate IV in Finance and Administration'
- Five CFA members received study grants to conduct research on emergency management topics during the year.
Minimum Skills Training
To date, 42,434 volunteers have been trained and qualified to the level of Wildfire Minimum Skills.
Partnerships and Multi-Agency training
CFA conducted 63 'Working Safely at a CFA Incident Scene' courses for VicSES. In addition, 20 'Introduction to AIIMS' courses were completed for VicSES and a further eight were conducted for other emergency services or external customers
Commendations and Awards to CFA People
Tables 18, 19 and 20 provide details of CFA recipients of awards and commendations in 2007-08.
Table 18. CFA recipients of Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) 2007-08
| Award Date | Recipient |
| Australia Day 2008 | Mr Ronald Tuckett Hooper, Echuca |
| Australia Day 2008 | Mr William Thomas (Bill) Pressey, Mortlake |
| Australia Day 2008 | Mr Michael James Sanderson, Seymour |
| Australia Day 2008 | Mr William Andrew Speirs, Nelson |
| Queen’s Birthday 2008 | Mr Barry Richard Barnett, Lancefield |
| Queen’s Birthday 2008 | Mrs Patricia Elaine Bigham, Gruyere |
| Queen’s Birthday 2008 | Mr Richard Kenneth (Rick) Williams, Ballarat |
Table 19. Chief Officer's Commendations 2007-08
| Date | To | Incident | Region |
| 17 December 2007 | Lieutenant Karen Whitehurst Newry Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) |
For actions during the major flood event that impacted on numerous communities across Region 10 from 28 June through until mid July 2007. | 10 |
| 17 December 2007 | Loch Sport RFB | For the actions of brigade members during the major flood event that impacted numerous communities across Region 10 from 28 June through until mid July 2007. | 10 |
| 17 December 2007 | Newry RFB | For the actions of brigade members during the major flood event that impacted numerous communities across Region 10 from 28 June through until mid July 2007. | 10 |
| 20 December 2007 | Caroline Springs Urban Fire Brigade (UFB) | For the actions of brigade members whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 14 |
| 20 December 2007 | Hoppers Crossing UFB | For the actions of brigade members whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 14 |
| 20 December 2007 | Fire Officer David Abbey Hoppers Crossing UFB |
For actions whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 14 |
| 20 December 2007 | LFF Charles Paynter Hoppers Crossing UFB |
For actions whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 14 |
| 20 December 2007 | Werribee UFB | For the actions of brigade members whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 14 |
| 19 March 2008 | Dandenong UFB | For the actions of brigade members whilst attending a severe multi vehicle accident on Sunday 14 October 2007 on Derrimut Road, Truganina. | 8 |
| 19 March 2008 | Hallam FB | For actions by brigade members in partnership with Dandenong Fire Brigade, whilst attending a fire on 23 January 2008 at 1/107 Curtain Crescent, Dandenong. | 8 |
| 20 March 2008 | Firefighter Andrew Carlin Dandenong UFB |
For actions whilst attending a house fire at 18 Deanswood Road, Hampton Park on Friday 15 February 2008. | 13 |
| 20 March 2008 | Volunteer Firefighter Ray Rickards Hampton Park UFB |
For actions whilst attending a house fire at 18 Deanswood Road, Hampton Park on Friday 15 February 2008. | 8 |
| 10 June 2008 | North West Area | For actions by officers, firefighters, management staff and volunteers of North West Area in responding to the level crossing accident north of Kerang on 5 June 2007, which tragically claimed the lives of 11 civilians and injured 17 others. | 20 |
| 10 June 2008 | Kerang UFB | For actions by officers and firefighters of Kerang Urban Fire Brigade in responding to the level crossing accident north of Kerang on 5 June 2007, which tragically claimed the lives of 11 civilians and injured 17 others. | 20 |
| 10 June 2008 | Cohuna UFB | For actions by officers and firefighters of Cohuna Urban Fire Brigade in responding to the level crossing accident north of Kerang on 5 June 2007, which tragically claimed the lives of 11 civilians and injured 17 others. | 20 |
| 10 June 2008 | Lake Charm RFB | For actions by officers and firefighters of Lake Charm Rural Fire Brigade in responding to the level crossing accident north of Kerang on 5 June 2007, which tragically claimed the lives of 11 civilians and injured 17 others. | 20 |
| 10 June 2008 | Ex Group Officer Norm Bowen Woodvale FB |
For actions by the CIS peers in support of Kerang Fire Brigade, Cohuna Urban Fire Brigade and Lake Charm Rural Fire Brigade, in responding to the level crossing accident north of Kerang on 5 June 2007 | 2 |
Table 20. CFA Valour Medals 2008 (Section 99A of the CFA Act)
| Date | To | Incident | Region |
| CFA Board meeting April 2008 | Leading Firefighter Adam Shearer Geelong City Fire Brigade |
For efforts in attempting to rescue a trapped employee from an unstable engulfment of granola seed at the Graincorp silo in Port Fairy Road, Hamilton on 5 December 2007. | 5 |
| CFA Board meeting April 2008 | Leading Firefighter Mathew Kneebone Geelong City Fire Brigade |
For efforts in attempting to rescue a trapped employee from an unstable engulfment of granola seed at the Graincorp silo in Port Fairy Road, Hamilton on 5 December 2007. | 5 |