Metropolitan Fire Service

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (1 June 2017).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

The MFS Chief Officer, Greg Crossman has indicated that the MFS will strive to continually increase the number of female and culturally diverse firefighters within their workforce, so that the future MFS workforce better reflects the community it serves.

The MFS has actively engaged with schools, educational facilities, community groups, Surf Life Saving SA, gymnasiums and sporting organisations such as Netball SA to spread the diversity message. The MFS has communicated via media outlets, advertising, social media, banners, posters, email and their website to ensure the message is received by the wider community.

The MFS' Female Firefighters Forum is actively involved in assisting this process.

The MFS will continue to pursue opportunities to raise awareness, wherever possible including reaching out to other agencies within the South Australian emergency services sector.

Prior to the commencement of the current firefighter recruitment and selection process the MFS reviewed and re-engineered the process, removing what was believed to be a barrier that prevented many applications. The removal of the requirement to have a truck licence prior to application brought about approximately 1,100 extra applications that would not have been eligible under the previous process.

The most recent group of new firefighters participated in the MFS' first application process specifically aimed at attracting a greater variety of applicants to become firefighters.

While the MFS recognises there is a journey still ahead, they are already seeing positive signs of a change in this area.

Prior to the diversity in recruitment campaign, approximately 4.7 per cent of total applications received were from females. Since the launch of the campaign, that number has jumped to 12 per cent of total applications.

The aim is to promote the MFS as an employer of choice and firefighting as a career for any person, whatever their background, who can meet the educational, physical and psychological standards.

The application process is open to all members of the public that meet the eligibility criteria, and I am certain the MFS would welcome applications from CFS volunteers.