Page 3416 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 September 2015
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The challenge does provide an opportunity for volunteer units from around Australia to interact and build on their relationships and to share the skills and learnings they have within each of their volunteer units. Each jurisdiction’s response to rescue and disaster can vary, and different methods of executing rescue operations can be seen throughout the challenge, which provides a fantastic learning forum through the exchange of techniques and ideas between the different units.
I would also like to remind everyone of the proud history of cooperating with and supporting other states during emergencies. In addition to the fantastic support provided to New South Wales during a severe flood event earlier this year, our SES have assisted with emergency support to Western Australia for fires, the search for MH370, Cyclone Yasi and the Brisbane floods. I am extremely proud of the cooperation across our emergency services.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how can members of the community get involved in the SES and participate as volunteers with this fantastic organisation or, indeed, elsewhere in the ESA?
MS BURCH: Volunteers are a crucial part of the ACT Emergency Services Agency as front-line responders to emergencies such as storms, floods and bushfires. They provide immediate assistance to our community during emergencies and disasters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It goes without saying that the work these volunteers do is immensely valuable to our community and that the time that these volunteers commit to the ESA is paramount to the success of the organisation.
ACT SES volunteers are recognised through a comprehensive range of formal and informal means—from social gatherings hosted by the Chief Officer to presentation of certificates, citations and medals. The challenge is not only one way to share skills but also to recognise and reward the incredible work these individuals do.
Volunteer positions in the ACT Emergency Services Agency include firefighters, State Emergency Service members, community education practitioners, mapping and planning support members, and community fire unit members. The recruitment process for the SES involves formal registration, intake and induction processes. Each year up to 1,000 members of our community register their interest in becoming an SES volunteer. Of these, approximately 25 are recruited per intake.
I encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer to go on to the ESA website and register their interest in it because it is a great organisation to work for. Again, I congratulate all those who participated in the national disaster rescue challenge.
Mr Barr: Madam Speaker, I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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