The Fire Services Implementation Monitor (FSIM) has released its 2021-22 Annual Report, finding that both Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) were making substantial progress towards delivering a modern fire and rescue service.
The report also found the two organisations faced a range of challenges as they implemented the State’s fire service reforms.
FRV said it was proud of the progress that had been made, despite the challenges presented by the scale and the complexity of the fire services reform and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner, Gavin Freeman said the Annual Report focused on year two of a 10-year reform program.
He said there was time to address the issues identified in the Report and to work collaboratively with CFA and FRV’s partners to maximise opportunities for future success.
“FRV’s 10-year journey is well supported by our 2022-2032 Strategic Plan which outlines the strategic direction for our organisation and shares our vision, opportunities, priorities, actions, and measures for the next 10 years,” A/Commissioner Freeman said.
“Importantly, the Report notes that FRV employees and CFA volunteers have a ‘get on with the job’ attitude, which must be commended,” he said.
“Our people, working with CFA and the United Firefighters Union were implementing the reform while maintaining a high level of service for the community.”
“It is pleasing the Report has recognised the improvements FRV has made since the last reporting period, particularly the work we have done to develop and communicate our values, foster our culture, and the progress made on the development and rollout of our employee Health Model.”
Fire Rescue Victoria said the Implementation Plan outlined 41 actions- of which two actions were complete, 35 are on track or experiencing delay, and four still to commence.
FRV said it acknowledges there was a range of factors impacting the effectiveness of operations within the reformed fire services model and was working to identify solutions.
