Results of CFS Funding Survey sent to MPs and Candidates for March State Election

The CFSVA sent out a survey form to all sitting MPs and to candidates for the next state election to be held in March. The purpose of the survey form is to educate MPs and candidates about the chronic funding issues facing CFS and to gain their commitment for support. The following responses have been received.

Question 1     
Do you acknowledge the need for sufficient staff in the CFS and the need to backfill absent staff?

Labor Party - YES

Disputes the fact that CFS have the lowest staff to volunteer ratio of any fire service in Australia. The CFSVA believes the Minister has been badly advised on this issue by SAFECOM. Staff to volunteer numbers will be part of a risk assessment process, currently underway

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 2
Do you support additional funding for training CFS Volunteers

Labor Party - YES

Will utilise new computer rollout and broadband connectivity to promote elearning. CFSVA comment: The Association would like to see commitment from the Government for increased funding for training before the election

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind. Member for Frome - YES

Question 3
Do you support a level of funding which allows for responsible replacement of stations and maintenance programme

Labor Party - YES

Has announced an injection of $3.017 million to accelerate building and maintenance works. Major building works and condition review underway.

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC  Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

Responsible, relevant and necessary replacement

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 4
Do you agree that CFS brigades should be funded for computers and associated technology essential to their operations?

Labor Party - YES

Recent announcement of 1050 computers for CFS brigades and SES units, along with broadband connectivity

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

 

Question 5
Do you support such a basic requirement as pagers for CFS volunteers being adequately funded?

Labor Party - YES

Recent announcement of 650 new pages for CFS

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 6a
Do you agree that a well funded and well developed public communications and education programme is essential to the protection of the public in bushfire situations?

Labor Party - YES
Provided $12.4 million to a new emergency warning system.
Provided $5.2 million for community education and awareness campaign for this financial Year.                   

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 6b

Should it be funded on an ongoing basis?

Labor Party - UNDER CONSIDERATION

Will be evaluated at the end of this bushfire season

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 7
Do you support a reduction in the speed limit past red and blue flashing lights at emergencies to 25 kph

Labor Party - YES
Will amend Road traffic Act 1961 if re-elected

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 8

Do you support free entry to SA national parks for CFS Volunteers?

Labor Party - YES

Have made 2,000 free passes available for CFS Volunteers 

                                         

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 9

Do you support total exemption for CFS volunteers from the carrying ond filling in of work diaries as set out in the heavy vehicle driver fatigue legislation?

Labor Party - UNDER CONSIDERATION
Consideration at the national level on streamlining the laws

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - NO

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

Question 10
Do you agree we need to fund the CFS adequately to ensure they are equipped to Handle (as far as is humanly possible) a wildfire of the ferocity of Victoria’s Black Saturday?

Labor Party - YES
If re-elected the State Labor Government will continue to work closely with the sector in identifying potential hazards and how best to prepare and equip the ESOs

 

Liberal Party - YES

 

Greens - YES

 

Robert Brokenshire MLC Family First - YES

 

David Winderlich MLC Ind - YES

 

John Darley MLC Ind - YES

 

Geoff Brock Ind Member for Frome - YES

COMMENTS

Liberal Party - The Liberal party has promised $13 million to the CFS and SES over 4 years. This is on top of the recent $7.2 million allocated to the CFS by the Labor Government.

Robert Brokenshire - In my opinion, this government in not being bi-partisan on the introduction of the ESL (look at comments in the media and at Hansard at the time) have caused a lack of financial growth opportunity to fund CFS adequately. This must change now.

"If you would like to see the full response of the survey from The Hon Michael Wright, Minister for Emergency Services, please call the state office on 8244 6500 or email admin@cfsva.org.au and a copy will be sent to you."