An agreement was signed on April 4, 2014 for mutual understanding, co-operation and collaboration between the Council of Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA) and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC).
Signed in front of representatives from all 11 Australian states and territories volunteer fire associations, the Memorandum of Understanding will provide fire fighters a united voice in discussion and negotiations with AFAC.
CAVFA Chairperson Brian McKinlay said the Memorandum of Understanding ensures the needs and concerns of volunteers will have a greater input in AFAC matters that may have significant impact on them.
“This agreement is all about representation for our Members. CAVFA represents more than 250,000 volunteer fire fighters and operational support volunteers across Australia.”
When relating to matters that have direct impact on volunteers, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council will now discuss and seek input from the Council of Volunteer Fire Associations.”
NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Cox agreed the arrangement would have many benefits given the mutual interest and combined expertise the Council possesses.
“The memorandum provides a basis to build a strong relationship between both organisations and establish an effective ongoing dialogue between both parties concerning matters that affect volunteers.”
To support this commitment, the AFAC will ensure its discussions on matters that affect volunteers are informed by volunteer input. To support this, the CAVFA will encourage members to share in these discussions to address current and emerging challenges facing volunteers in the fire and emergency services today and into the future.
The over-riding aim of CAVFA is to assist volunteer fire fighters and operational support volunteers to support and protect their communities and the diverse environments across Australia. Association Members are:
ACT Volunteer Brigades Association, Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades of WA, NSW Rural Fire Service Association, NT Bushfire Volunteers Association, Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland, Queensland Auxiliary Firefighters Association, SA Country Fire Service Volunteers Association, Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association, Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association, Volunteer Fire Brigades of Victoria, and WA Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association.