This parliamentary question seeks information on the number and location of volunteer firefighters in the South West region of WA, and the actions taken to provide them with workers' compensation. The answer provides figures and clarifies insurance coverage under relevant legislation.

AnsweredQoN 3070Legislative Council
Asked
6 May 2015
Portfolio
Emergency Services

QuestionView source ↗

(1) How many volunteer fire fighters are located in the South West region and where are they located? (2) What action has the Department of Fire and Emergency Services taken to provide workers' compensation for volunteer fire fighters?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
16 June 2015
Responded by
Attorney General representing the Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
41 days
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises:
(1) There are 1,452 Volunteer fire fighters in the South West Region in the following LGA's; City of Bunbury, Shire of Capel, Shire of Collie, Shire of Dardanup, Shire of Harvey, Shire of Murray and Shire of Waroona. This includes members in the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service (VFRS), Volunteer Fire Service (VFS) and the Volunteer Bushfire Brigades (BFS).
Please note:
• The numbers are unique people, duplicate memberships are not included.
• South West does not include Lower South West (a further 4000+ volunteers); ie. Busselton and southwards.
The information provided is accurate as at 8 May 2015. The reported data only captures that provided to DFES by the individual Brigades, Groups and Units; or their respective Local Governments.
(2) All volunteers under the
Bush Fires Act 1954
, the
Fire Brigades Act 1942
and the
Fire and Emergency Services Act
1998
are currently provided with injury insurance when undertaking functions under those Acts. The Government is investigating how to ensure this coverage is consistent across the different volunteer groups.

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