Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Consultation has now commenced on the development of a new contemporary Fire Service Act 1979 as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's plan to keep Tasmanians safe and our commitment as outlined in our First 100 Day Plan.
The current Act is now 42 years old, and we want to ensure that the Tasmania Fire Service is underpinned by contemporary legislation that reflects the service delivery that is expected by the community now and into the future.
Significant work has already been undertaken on a new Act through a review of the Act by Mr Mike Blake and the House of Assembly Standing Committee Inquiry into the State Fire Commission.
The Blake Fire Service Act Review includes 45 Recommendations for reform, and Tasmanians are now invited to have their say on the recommendations to ensure we have an accountable, flexible and responsive fire and emergency service.
I am pleased to announce that Mr Michael Stevens, an experienced policy professional who undertook the role of Bushfire Recovery Coordinator for the devastating Bushfires in 2013 and 2019, will lead the next stage of this important body of work.
As the Review also made 16 Financial Management Recommendations, the Department of Treasury and Finance will release a separate Options Paper on potential funding models to ensure that fire and emergency services in Tasmania are funded in an equitable, transparent and sustainable way.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is taking action to keep Tasmanians safe, and we will continue to invest to ensure bushfire safety and prevention.
The consultation paper can be found at www.dpfem.tas.gov.au.
