During 2013 and early 2014, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) was subject to a Performance Audit by the NSW Auditor-General. The focus of this audit was whether NSWRFS volunteer firefighters were fit for duty. The audit resulted in a report that was tabled to the NSW Parliament. The report included a number of recommendations related to the fitness of NSWRFS volunteer firefighters that the NSWRFS is currently implementing.

This presentation will outline the background to the Performance Audit, including defining ‘fitness’ as used in the context of the audit, how the audit was undertaken and who was involved. It will then focus on the recommendations made in the audit report, which note that the NSWRFS should by April 2015:

1. Undertake a risk analysis on the current approach to managing the health and fitness of volunteer members, particularly those who actively fight fires
2. Introduce health and fitness initiatives to encourage volunteer firefighters to maintain their fitness
3. Establish a checklist to assist brigade captains in managing the health and fitness of their members
4. Consider a three-year renewal of self-assessment and declaration of medical condition by volunteers.

The presentation will then address how the NSWRFS is implementing these recommendations through the work being led by the NSWRFS’ Health Safety and Welfare Section.

It will conclude by providing a current update on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations and highlight activities that other agencies may wish to consider for applicability to their individual agency.