SA Firefighter

 Hello to all once again
I thought I would answer some of your responces  first piont the charter is not a commitment to silence but rules about how you engage on issues with Govt.The issues in the media have all involved comments from the VA or endorsed by us we will continue to do this when we think it is useful. The UFU focus is almost entirely about terms and conditions for its members (and ops to expand their membership with more paid crews)the condition audit is based around a building condition report commissoned by the SAFECOM Board and been shared with the VA and is about Identifying how much more funding to get stations fit for purpose is required and a strategy to achieve it into the future I guess as far as strategy gos past exspieriance in lobbying has shown me there is more of a chance of successs when you are talking inside the shed then banging on the door from the outside demanding their attention! again I know not every one will agree with this but that is our strategy and as always I look forward to your
views

Kind Regards Wayne Thorley

hello
To all the CFSVA strategy is about reminding and making the public (and small "v" volunteers) aware that the Emergancy services sector is underfunded[/b] regardless which agency we are all short of people to support for volunteers. Stations are in varying condition but no budget line for maintance not enough planned funds to replace old sheds.Access to training in more technical course's is very difficult. And their is no IT strategy for volunteers our intent is to remind govt. of these shortages continously over the next few months when ever a opportunity  rise as there will numerous opportunities for govt. to take action it is not about trying to embarrass the govt. it is about asking them publicy do they want to have a sustainable effective volunteer emergency  services or are they prepared to pay for a very expensive career service which may be under utilize in a difficult economic climate.
We know that won't please all with our strategy others will say we are ineffective but we have to act responsibley and comply with the commitments we sought in our volunteer charter that we signed with Goverment last year I hope that makes it clear what we are up to

kind regards Wayne Thorley
CFSVA vp