The future of the TFES Reforms

In the face of increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters, the Tasmanian Government is committed to reforming our fire and emergency services to ensure they are fully supported to keep Tasmanians safe. 
 
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said a key focus of this government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is backing in our fire and emergency services to keep communities safe. 
 
“We are committed to preparing this work as a priority to ensure our fire and emergency services are best supported to keep our communities safe,” Minister Ellis said. 
 
“Bringing the TFS and SES together will allow for invaluable cross-organisation advice and leadership. 
 
“Following careful consideration of feedback from our community and our emergency responders, the Tasmanian Government has now announced the future for the TFES Reforms,” he said. 
 
The Tasmanian Government is committed to reforming the operations and governance for the Tasmania Fire and Emergency Service (TFES), and these reforms include:  

• Establishing the TFES in legislation, bringing together the TFS and SES onto a strategic operating platform; 

• Establishing the role of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner in legislation as the operational lead of TFES; 

• Establishing the State Fire and Emergency Services Commission as the statutory authority in charge of TFES, with a skills-based board and an expanded membership of emergency prevention and response experts; 

• Establishing a volunteer charter in legislation; and 

• Replacing the existing Act and regulations with contemporary, principles-based legislation. 

Work to implement these reforms are now being progressed as a matter of priority, including the development and consultation of legislation and regulations. 
 

For more information, visit: https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/reform/