by Jill Edwards

September 30, 2013

Tags:

Activity Update

• As a result of discussions, the BMN has established a standing item on its agenda to ensure researchers from the BNHCRC have access to key agency representatives to keep them across research developments.  
• The BMN also agreed to work together to evaluate and update the guidelines for cross border deployments, working towards integrating the existing three guidelines.
• The ACNC and BMN agreed to a joint meeting with the Australian Taxation Office to further discuss and progress options for reducing red tape and minimising any compliance burden on volunteer emergency service brigades/units.
• Sadly we farewelled Mike Gallagher, Director Corporate Services for the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS), who chaired his last meeting of the Business Management Network. A long time contributor to the emergency management industry, Mike’s contribution and leadership has been exemplary and appreciated by his colleagues. 
• Frank Pasquale, Director Corporate Services, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA (DFES WA) was endorsed as the new Chair.

Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (BNHCRC)

Michael Rumsewicz, Manager Research of the BNHCRC, provided an overview of the new BNHCRC research program and how it was determined. As a result of an extensive evaluation process, projects have been organised into three themes:
 

• • Economics, Policy and Decision-making (20%)
  • Resilient people, Infrastructure and Institutions (40%)
  • Bushfire and Natural Hazard Risks (40%)

Over the coming weeks each project will be required to prepare a road-map, outlining the transition from research to operations. This is an important aspect as end-users are able to identify early and plan their strategies and budgets to ensure that the outputs can be effectively operationalised.  

The BMN agreed the research program has potential to address many of the industry problems as outlined in the Call for Proposals, prepared earlier this year. To keep on top of developments, the BMN agreed to have it as a standing item on all agenda’s and to open up the opportunity for the researchers to attend some meetings and present and discuss aspects of their work.  

Resource Sharing (Mutual Aid)

Mike Gallagher posed the question “have we got it right”, as it relates to cross border deployments and the arrangements that support seamless and effective deployments. Mike explained the presentation he made at the recent AFAC Conference and the subsequent discussions. The recent Tasmania fires and the deployments relevant to that event exposed some inconsistencies with how agencies apply the AFAC guideline on cross border deployments. Discussions uncovered the fact there are three different, but somewhat complementary guidelines, namely the Forest Fire Management Group (FFMG) guideline, the AFAC Resource Sharing (Mutual Aid) Guideline, and the Australian Council of Emergency Services Guidelines.

The BMN agreed three different arrangements are not ideal and agreed to work on ways and means to bring them closer together.

Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC)

The ACNC Assistant Commissioner Murray Baird, along with other ACNC representatives, met with the BMN to discuss opportunities to reduce red-tape and limit the impact on volunteer brigades/unit of the registration and reporting obligations under the ACNC legislation.

The engaging, constructive and very productive discussions resulted in the identification of a number of options that could be considered in the short term, with agreement reached on further discussions, involving the Australian Taxation Office, on longer term solutions.

The BMN were extremely encouraged and grateful to the ACNC for their willingness to engage with and support our industry needs.

Reflections on the Value of the BMN

The BMN took a few minutes to reflect on the value of the AFAC Business Management Network and re-affirmed its importance as a Network. It was agreed that other AFAC member agencies may also benefit from participation in the Network. The ability to connect with peers across the industry, as well as share information and to explore consistent methods and approaches is extremely valuable.  

Examples of success are:

• Understanding Our Business Survey: has been used often and extensively in the production of various business cases, benchmarking individual agencies with their peers
• Commonwealth Contributions: establishing national consistency and working with the Commonwealth to ensure equitable and fair arrangements are established
• Australian Taxation Office: influencing the recognition of volunteer brigades/units as charities
• Resource Sharing: establishing an AFAC arrangement for the treatment of costs when providing cross border deployments. 

AFAC Office Update

Jill provided the BMN with an update on the new structure within the AFAC office, the strategic direction set by CEO Stuart Ellis, as well as other projects that are occurring within the AFAC network, but also with other stakeholders. Jill highlighted a range of work that has linkages to the BMN, including:

• • National Capability Statement, work being led by EMA, partnering with AFAC
  • Strategic Directions paper being submitted to SC-PEM (Standing Council of Police and Emergency Management)
  • AFAC Certification Initiative – a program to credential incident managers and emergency managers. A paper is being submitted to AFAC council to progress this initiative
  • The AFAC website and approach to member services. 

Next Meeting

Discussions are occurring with ACNC to schedule the next meeting to coincide with the meeting with the ATO. Teleconferences will continue and action items addressed out of session.

For further information contact Jill Edwards, Director Capability & Member Services jill.edwards[@]afac.com.au