Emergency fix in united force

Rockliff hails TFS and SES merger

TASMANIA is set to get a new streamlined emergency service with two individual agencies merged to become one modern entity.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced on Tuesday the Tasmania Fire Service and the State Emergency Services would be merged to become the Tasmania Fire and Emergency Service.

The reform follows five years of reviews of the 43-yearold Fire Service Act which consistently showed governance arrangements were unclear and hampered the response to emergencies such as fire and floods.

Mr Rockliff said the new agency would create a strong chain of command with the chief officer of the TFS to be elevated to the role of Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services.

“With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, it is important we take action today to empower our emergency leaders for tomorrow,” he said.

The TFS and SES will keep their individual identities, something the government said volunteers had wanted.

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the new Commissioner would report directly to the minister of the day.

Mr Ellis said the financial side of the reforms would be part of the budget process and he would have “more to say” on that soon.

United Firefighters Union Australia Tasmanian secretary Leigh Hills said the budget would need to be upped significantly to create a modern fire and emergency organisation.

“The union welcomes the reform announced. It will not only help from the responsibility side but also the administration side with the new Commissioner not having to get permission from a middle person but instead, have a direct line to the minister.”

Labor said it remained unacceptable that Tasmania’s firefighters were the lowest paid in the country and it was waiting to see the legislation to get the detail of the latest reforms.

SES director Mick Lowe will remain in the TFES’ key leadership group but the new Commissioner will be in charge and have clear responsibilities and accountability.

“Fire’s key governance body – the State Fire Commission – will be retained and reformed to become the State Fire and Emergency Service Committee,” Mr Ellis said.

In an email to firefighters, TFS chief officer Dermot Barry, who will be promoted to Commissioner, reassured all members that both services would keep their individual identities, uniforms and livery.

Mr Barry said current staff should have no fears around job security and the valued role of the 5400 combined services volunteers would be protected in legislation.