Page 1519 - Week 05 - Thursday, 7 May 2015
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All our volunteers undertake a comprehensive development program from the moment they join the organisation. This begins with induction training, focusing on work health and safety; risk management; respect, equity and diversity; team work; and basic field skills. Once volunteers have joined a unit, they begin a program of formal and on-the-job training that incorporates technical skills including first aid, radio communications, asbestos awareness, storm and flood response, traffic marshalling, working at heights, chainsaw operations, flood rescue boat, land search and air search operations.
Our ACT SES organisation and volunteers are some of the best in this country. Certainly, other jurisdictions have looked to our team not only for support during their own disasters but also for the fantastic training opportunities that our local units can provide.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how does the ESA recruit members to the SES, given that they are primarily volunteers, and how are they acknowledged and supported by government for the incredible work they undertake?
MS BURCH: I thank Dr Bourke for his question. The majority of the ACT SES is made up of volunteers who provide immediate assistance to the 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. The time that these individuals, their families and employers provide is paramount to the success of the organisation.
The SES volunteers are recruited through a formal registration, intake and induction process. Unit commanders work collaboratively with staff to determine the current needs of their unit and which of the prospective volunteers could best fit those roles. Each year, up to 1,000 members of the ACT community register their interest in becoming an SES volunteer. Of these, approximately 25 volunteers are recruited per intake.
Our SES volunteers are recognised through a comprehensive range of formal and informal means, from social gatherings hosted by the Chief Officer to presentations of certificates, citations and medals. In addition, a number of ACT public service enterprise bargaining arrangements provide for up to four days leave for voluntary emergency management per emergency. I understand that there are other employers in both government and non-government sectors across our city that also provide support to our SES volunteers.
I would like to take the opportunity to publicly express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the great work that SES volunteers do, and thank their families and employers for supporting them in the work they do for us.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
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