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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-03-17 Daily Xml
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Bruce, Mr A.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (15:31): Today I rise to speak about former metropolitan fire service chief officer Allan Bruce, and his contribution and his legacy to Australian firefighting services and in particular the indelible stamp he left on the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service. Allan passed away on 8 March following a motor vehicle accident in Queensland that occurred on 5 March that also claimed the life of his beloved wife, Anne. In early 1982, the then minister—I think it was referred to as chief secretary at that time—Allan Rodda (an excellent minister) appointed Allan Bruce as the chief executive officer, chief officer of the then South Australian fire brigade.

The lead into this appointment was a tumultuous time for the then fire brigade, with the unions, the firefighters association, and the fire brigade officers association in a battle with the board to have it disbanded and to have it replaced by a CEO from an operational background. Allan arrived in 1982. It is also safe to say that at the time of Allan's appointment there were many within the ranks, particularly the higher ranks, who were less than supportive of his appointment. I am told, however, that the member for Morphett's father, Malcolm, a divisional superintendent in the brigade, welcomed and supported his appointment.

In fact, Allan used to tell the story that, before he took up his appointment, he received a phone call from an Adelaide journalist with The Advertiser, a conversation I thank Mick Doyle for confirming. It went something like this. The journalist said, 'I understand that you've appointed the chief officer of the fire brigade.' Allan, 'Yes, that's correct.' The journalist, 'Do you want the good news or the bad news?' Allan said, 'Give me the bad news.' The journalist said, 'The fire brigade officers association has resolved not to work with you.' Allan then asked, 'The good news?' The journalist said, 'The firefighters association has decided to give you a go.' Allan's response, 'Well, I'm still in front.'

This was the commencement of a great working relationship that developed between the then secretary of the firefighters association, Mick Doyle, and the chief officer, Allan Bruce. As you would expect, this relationship was not exempt from at times being somewhat fiery (excuse the pun). What this period showed is that, when you get two committed and intelligent people working together, anything can be achieved. At this time, the fire service and all aspects of its operations were long overdue for modernisation. The service required a person who understood all aspects of fire service operations and administration, who fully understood industrial relations and human resourcing, who further understood politics and the political system and, indeed, someone who held the skills to bring this kicking and sometimes screaming service into the modern era. This man was Allan Bruce.

The firefighters association supported Allan's approach and worked with him. After all, the outcome wanted was one and the same: a modern, professional fire service that would not only benefit the users of this service but also greatly improve the skills and working conditions of the firefighters.

Allan introduced standard operating procedures, standard administrative procedures, improved firefighting safety and wellbeing, and these have stood the test of time. During Allan's time we also saw the opening of the SAMFS headquarters building in 1985, new metropolitan stations built, safety staffing introduced, response times improved and a service that exists today that is equal to anything in Australia and, indeed, internationally.

Allan Bruce joined the New Zealand fire brigade in 1947. He served with the London Fire Brigade. In joining the MFS in 1982, the fire service and the people of South Australia were delivered a chief officer who stood tall amongst the tall of international fire service personnel. He was the full package. He also holds the distinction of captaining both the New Zealand and English basketball teams, was an accredited international basketball coach and loved most sport.

From a professional perspective, he was also a member of the New Zealand fire service council, a fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers, chair of the Australian Assembly of Fire Authorities, being the first Australian chief officer to hold that position, and he also received the Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of his valuable contribution.

Allan and Anne are survived by children Greg, Karen and Scott and their families, with another daughter, Joanne, passing away in 1995. To their surviving children I offer my sincere sympathy and condolences. To their friends—their many friends—colleagues and admirers I acknowledge their loss. Vale Alan and Anne Bruce.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: And that of the house. Member for Hartley.

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