Preamble

Volunteers are fundamental to Emergency Management in Victoria. The collective interests of volunteers need to be protected and volunteers need to be consulted about issues that affect them. This Volunteer Charter provides the framework for this relationship to be managed and the outcomes from the Charter shall be judged against the following principles…
· Is it fair?
· Is it just?
· Is it reasonable?
· Does it discriminate against volunteers?
· Is the outcome sustainable?
· Is it in the best interest of the safety of the Victorian community?

Volunteering in CFA

• CFA is built on a long tradition of volunteerism. Volunteer commitment today remains the very heart of the organisation.
• Volunteers in the CFA selflessly bring time and life skills to create a safer community and in so doing achieve personal satisfaction from service, achievement and camaraderie.
• Volunteers are involved in a practical partnership based on mutual respect with CFA career staff and other organisations to ensure that community safety needs are met to the best of their collective abilities.
• Volunteers actively promote fire prevention works, enhanced protection of life and property, and provide fire, emergency and community services in all areas of Victoria.
• Volunteers don’t work for money – but they don’t work for nothing.

• Is a formal agreement between the Government of Victoria, the CFA and the Volunteers, recognising the value and importance of volunteers and their needs that must be met if they are to deliver their services safely and effectively.
• Is an enduring agreement which shall be binding on the parties. 
• Shall be reviewed as required by agreement of the parties or at the end of five years from the date of commencement.

• Work safely and undertake training and planning to enhance the delivery of those services in creating a safer community.
• Exercise the powers vested by the Act and Regulations in the best interests of the community.
• Participate in a mutual and respectful active partnership with all CFA personnel and other organisations in undertaking any duties.
• Recognise and support the elected volunteer Association representatives and consultative mechanisms as agreed with CFA.

• Recognise, value, respect and promote CFA volunteers, along with their differing cultural backgrounds, as core partners with career staff.
• Recognise that the Volunteer Associations represent volunteers in general.
• Undertake timely and meaningful consultation with the elected representatives of volunteers on all matters which affect or may impact upon volunteers before the adoption or implementation of any changes.
• Factor such consultation into any consideration of such matters by the CFA and provide the resources to implement any changes.
• Provide appropriate and reasonable administrative, operational and infrastructure support to enable volunteers to perform their roles safely. 
• Provide timely and adequate support services in the areas of:

a. Legal
b. OH&S 
c. Discrimination
d. Counselling and Welfare Support
e. Training
f. CFA Career Development

• Acknowledge its obligation to provide fire protection services to the people of Victoria, recognising that a volunteer system is the most cost effective way such services can be provided.
• Recognise, value, respect and promote CFA Volunteers, and their families, for their contribution to the well being and safety of the people of Victoria.
• Ensure an effective legislative framework that recognises the needs of volunteers in the delivery of services.
• Provide adequate financial resources to enable volunteers in the CFA to deliver the agreed services.
• When considering all matters that affect or may impact upon volunteers, consult with the elected representatives of volunteers and CFA before adopting or implementing any changes.

This Charter commences on the _______ day of __________________, 2001.

Len Foster, Chairman, on behalf of CFA

Stephen Bracks, Premier, on behalf of the people of Victoria

Tom Brodie, President VRFBA, on behalf of rural CFA volunteers

Rob Waterson, President VUFBA, on behalf of urban CFA volunteers
 
 

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