🔥 Provision of Risk Assurance Services for Bushfire Prevention Policies, Procedures and Practices

DFES awarded a panel contract for bushfire risk assurance services to assess policies, procedures, and practices of organisations involved in bushfire mitigatio

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) established a Panel of suitable Contractors to undertake assessments of organisational policies, procedures and practices for the mangement of bushfire-related risk which forms part of an Assurance Program delivered by the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM). The Assurance Program examines the risk management framework of nominated organisations involved in bushfire mitigation (particularly planned burning) to confirm they adequately address the associated risks and comply with the relevant standards. As part of the assessments, the Contractor may review framework elements including written policies and procedures, supporting systems, organisational culture, training and development protocols and resourcing arrangements. An important aspect of assurance is confirming the framework is reflected in good outcomes from planned burning, including that it has the desired effect on bushfire risk. This may involve Contractors attending field visits, discussing with staff from the organisation being assured, observing burn implementation practices and examining monitoring and review data. Following the assessment of nominated organisations, the Contractor will be required to submit their findings in a report format. The report will assist the OBRM in deciding whether the assessed organisation is required to take any further action to ensure their policies, procedures and practices comply with the relevant standards.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services awarded an estimated $350,000 contract via Open Advertisement to a panel of contractors including Bushfire Prone Planning (BPP Group Pty Ltd), Environmental Resilience (CULHANE, MELLANIE BERNICE), Sandalwest (The Trustee for Bush Turkey Investment Trust), and Vescient Pty Ltd.