CFS inquiry given green light

In the past several months, CFS volunteers have spoken out about being threatened with suspension for raising concerns about inadequate equipment and facilities, and for speaking to media.

Others have had suspensions left in limbo for several years.

These accounts led to the Liberal Party establishing a parliamentary inquiry, which has been referred to an existing Parliamentary Committee on occupation safety, rehabilitation and compensation.

Opposition spokesperson for Emergency Services Adrian Pederick said the inquiry would investigate so-called 'regulation 21' cases - where suspension letters stand down members from their brigades and don't give them an opportunity to respond to allegations against them.

Under Section 21 (1b) of the Fire and Emergency Services Regulations 2021, SACFS members are liable to disciplinary action if they 'behave in a manner that reflects or is likely to reflect adversely on SACFS'.

Mr Pederick said parliamentary privilege would allow CFS volunteers and staff to speak freely without fears of repercussion.

"We know there are serious issues within the CFS that are being kept quiet," he said.

"In the months since announcing we would be moving to establish this inquiry, I was contacted by multiple people thanking the Liberal Party for raising the matter."

Mr Pederick, a CFS volunteer himself, said changing the organisation's disciplinary processes had to be a key aim of the current inquiry.

"I think there needs to be a new structure around the disciplinary process. From cases I've heard, internal officers are often asked to do the disciplining," he said.

"So you've got people that may not have the skill level to do this - and I'm not having a crack at them - but perhaps there needs to be an external investigation process.

"Lets not forget volunteers are the biggest contributors to the CFS. Yes, people need to follow the rules but they don't want to be tied up in bureaucracy."

The inquiry will also investigate the adequacy and state of facilities at CFS stations across the state, as well as the effectiveness of the CFS's facility and appliance replacement programs.

A state government spokesperson said Labor were committed to improving the disciplinary process for volunteers and ensuring equipment and facilities were up to scratch.

The spokesperson said the current government would assist the parliamentary committee as requested and were already committed to supporting the CFS and "volunteers on the frontline".

In a swing at the Liberals, the spokesperson said an examination of disciplinary processes was already underway.

"Too many cases which commenced under the former Liberal government became subject to delays that caused unnecessary anxiety for individuals and the CFS more widely," they said.

However, Mr Pederick was critical that the Labor-led 'examination' had yet to show any progress after more than six months.

Assistant Opposition spokesperson for Regional South Australia Ben Hood said the inquiry would be vital in understanding all facets of the CFS and how it could be improved.

"Our CFS volunteers are the ones who put their lives at risk each time they are called to an incident," he said.

"They deserve to be provided with the support and amenities they need to protect our communities, but most of all they deserve to be listened to. I've heard from many involved with the CFS they are terrified of speaking up and this goes to the crux of the problem.

"Volunteers and staff feel they don't have the power to speak about issues they see on the ground and when they do, they are punished."

The CFS says it will support the inquiry as required and valued its volunteers and the service they provided to the community

"This is a common process and the CFS routinely provides information to other committees of the Parliament when requested," a spokesperson said.

"We continue to prioritise working with the (CFS) Volunteers' Association and the government on matters of interest and importance to our members."