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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (23 September) . . Page.. 3140 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

Although the committee made reference to the concept of a "lead combat agency", this is not a term that is used in legislation for the other emergency services or the police; nor is it contained in the Territory disaster plan, Displan. It should be understood by members that there are considerable differences in terms of infrastructure, levels of government, geographic spread and emergency agencies' structure between the ACT and the other States. There already exists a significant level of coordination in response to emergencies by the very structure of the agencies in the Emergency Services Bureau and the joint communications centre at Curtin that is not paralleled in other States. This was evidenced most recently when the ACT sent a multi-agency task force to Thredbo, which was on scene within approximately five hours of the request for assistance.

For these reasons, the Government does not consider it appropriate to import the term "lead combat agency" for one emergency service in the ACT. However, roles and responsibilities for the Emergency Service, including functions in relation to storm damage and flooding response, will be included in the proposed Emergency Management Act and the emergency services operations manual. This will clarify the role of Emergency Service volunteers, which is what the committee sought to address.

The Government agrees to the establishment of an ACT Emergency Service food preparation unit utilising the existing kitchen facilities in Belconnen. A proposal is currently with the Emergency Service commanders and the ACT Volunteer Brigade Association for consideration. The Government has implemented the recommendation in relation to a review of the types of vehicles held by Emergency Service units. An ES working group has investigated a number of options and recommended that each unit have either a four-wheel-drive landcruiser or a four-wheel-drive twin-cab utility. As vehicles are replaced, new vehicles that meet the specified requirements will be acquired, in consultation with the relevant brigade. In addition, the co-location has provided access to more vehicles for the Emergency Service, which addresses the matter of reconnaissance in, for example, major storm events. The proposed emergency management legislation will also make provision for giving legal protection and compensation for volunteers undertaking bona fide, approved ACTES activities.

The Government agrees with the need to establish a system of recognising volunteer service. In addition to the National Medal, the national review of honours and awards has included a suggestion for the award of an Emergency Service Medal. However, the Government agrees that volunteerism for even five years is a considerable commitment, and it has taken steps to implement a system recognising five and 10 years' service. The system would be applicable to volunteers in both the Emergency Service and the ACT Bushfire Service. It is anticipated that the system will be in place before the end of 1997.

Finally, I would like to reiterate the Government's commitment to volunteers in any of the emergency services and to recognise the considerable contribution these volunteers make to assisting the community in times of crisis. I also appreciate the time and effort of those individuals who made submissions to the committee and appeared at the public meetings.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.

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