EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (14:57): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: Well, now we know who you are backing for preselection. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services a question regarding the recognition of emergency services volunteers and employers.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN: We are all aware that our emergency services are predominantly volunteer-based, particularly in rural and regional areas. What work has been done to increase recognition of the efforts of our volunteers and the support provided by their employers?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his important question. Last week, on Thursday 28 February, the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) board met in Port Lincoln as part of its commitment to conduct its meetings in regional areas as well as here in the city.

This year will see an increased focus on acknowledging and recognising the contribution made by volunteers and the people who support them, whether that is by me as a minister or by the board or the chief officers. In conjunction with this meeting, a relatively informal evening saw the presentation of certificates to employers in recognition of the important part they play in supporting emergency services volunteers. The evening was attended by volunteers, retained firefighters, their employers, and their families as well as by representatives of the volunteer associations within that region. Around 100 people attended the evening.

These activities are part of SAFECOM's volunteer and employer recognition and support program. Last year I asked the SAFECOM advisory board to prepare a volunteer and employer recognition program as part of an overall volunteer and employer support framework. This is now known as the 4R program as it aims to give recognition, raise the profile, and help recruit and retain our volunteers. The program will bring new initiatives and current activities under one umbrella and provide a sector-wide approach to volunteering to keep our volunteer ranks vibrant, valued and committed into the future.

Last week the SAFECOM board meeting saw us take the opportunity to promote the employer recognition aspect, and an employer information induction package booklet is now also available to employers. Work is also well under way on a publication on the rights of volunteers, to be provided as part of the recruitment package. A campaign is also taking place to encourage the registration of employers and emergency services volunteers within the volunteer management branch so that further employer recognition work can be undertaken. A calendar of related events to recognise volunteers and their employers is also being developed, and this will be an ongoing activity. The future direction of the program includes focus groups with employers (once identified), the publication of information regarding legal protection for volunteers, and a guide for employers of emergency services volunteers.

The Port Lincoln function was the first of many to be held as a way of acknowledging the dedication and continued commitment of our emergency services in that region in the face of the media spotlight and the Deputy Coroner's scrutiny following the Wangary fires. While in Port Lincoln I also had the opportunity to visit the Port Lincoln SES unit and CFS station to again meet with volunteers and discuss matters of interest with them.

I was very pleased to present the National Medal (First Clasp) to SES Eyre Headquarters Unit member, Gwen Hartley, for 25 years of service to the SES. Gwen and her family have provided outstanding service to the Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula region, with Gwen, her husband Gordon and children David and Meagan all being SES members. This is an outstanding commitment to community safety by one family and one that I know is certainly appreciated by the people of Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula.

On Friday the 29^th a presentation to local stakeholders by the SAFECOM board was also held. I believe this was very successful, with a question and answer session following that presentation.