Expressions of Interest are sought from interested people for the position of independent Chairperson of the State Fire Commission (SFC).
The State Fire Commission is an independently chaired body established under Section 7 of the Fire Service Act 1979.
The State Fire Commission’s primary purpose is to minimise the social, economic and environmental impact of fire and other emergencies on the Tasmanian community. This is achieved through implementing strategies for the Tasmania Fire Service that develop resilience to prevent and prepare for emergencies.
The Commission is also responsible for:
- managing incidents involving hazardous materials, including response to terrorist incidents involving chemical, biological and radiological agents;
- road crash rescue (in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport and surrounding areas);
- providing an Urban Search and Rescue capability to manage the rescue of people from collapsed buildings and structures;
- a range of community fire safety programs that guard against structural fire and bushfire;
- fire investigations; and
- coordinating Fuel Reduction Program activities on behalf of the Government.
Additionally, a change in reporting requirements now sees the Director State Emergency Service (SES) report to the Chief Officer with a substantial component of funding for the SES being provided through the State Fire Commission. The State Fire Commission reports to the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, and the supporting agency is the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management. The Commission delivers all of its services through its operational arm, the Tasmania Fire Service. The functions of the Commission are set out in Section 8 of the Fire Service Act 1979.
The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management is seeking an independent Chairperson for the State Fire Commission. The successful applicant will be nominated by the Minister and appointed by the Governor-in-Council.
The Chair is the public advocate for the SFC and is supported by the Chief Officer. The Chair’s role and responsibilities include: Be the first point of contact and the ‘public voice’ of the SFC, including Representation in the media, Focus the SFC on achieving its Functions; Report to the Minister on the activities of the SFC; Undertake public duties on behalf of the SFC; Lead SFC meetings; Undertake consultation or briefings as required on behalf of the SFC; and provide advice to the Minister.
Applicants must provide a statement that outlines their suitability for the role and a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae or Resume. The appointment will be for three years on a part-time basis with remuneration of $35,000 per annum. In addition, allowances will be paid by way of reimbursement of reasonable, actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out the business of the Commission.
Further information regarding the role can be obtained from the Secretary of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Mr Darren Hine at 6173 2247 or via email to Ms Kate Baker, Executive Assistant to the Secretary: [email protected] . Applications must be submitted to: the Office of the Secretary, Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management, GPO Box 308, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 or email to: [email protected] by 5.00pm, Friday 30 October 2020.
