SHIRE OF PINGELLY
———————————
BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
LOCAL LAW 2022
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4891
BUSH FIRES ACT 1954
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1995
SHIRE OF PINGELLY
BUSH FIRE BRIGADES LOCAL LAW 2022
CONTENTS
PART 1-PRELIMINARY
1.1 Citation
1.2 Commencement
1.3 Definitions
1.4 Repeal
1.5 Application
PART 2-ESTABLISHMENT AND CANCELLATION OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
Division 1—Establishment of a Bush Fire Brigade
2.1 Establishment and naming of a bush fire brigade
2.2 Appointment of brigade officers
Division 2—Transitional
2.3 Existing bush fire brigades
Division 3—Cancellation of a Bush Fire Brigade
2.4 Cancellation of a bush fire brigade registration
2.5 New arrangement after cancellation of registration
PART 3-OBJECTIVE, ORGANISATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
Division 1—Objectives of Bush Fire Brigades
3.1 Objectives
Division 2—Local Government Responsibility
3.2 Local government responsible for structure
3.3 Bush fire brigade to be supplied with Act
Division 3—Bush Fire Advisory Committee
3.4 Functions of Advisory Committee
3.5 Advisory Committee to consider brigade motions
Division 4—Bush Fire Control Officers
3.6 Local government to have regard to nominees for Bush Fire Control Officers
3.7 Functions of Bush Fire Control Officer
3.8 Local government to advise Bush Fire Advisory Committee of appointments
Division 5—Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
3.9 Role and duties of Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
PART 4-BRIGADE MEMBERSHIP
Division 1—Types of Membership
4.1 Membership of a bush fire brigade
4.2 Operational members
4.3 Trainee members
4.4 Cadet members
4.5 Support members
4.6 Life member
4.7 Honorary life member
Division 2—Command at a Fire
4.8 Interpretation
4.9 Ranks within the bush fire brigade
PART 5-EQUIPMENT OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
5.1 Policies of local government
4892 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
5.2 Equipment in bush fire brigade area
5.3 Funding from local government budget
5.4 Consideration in the local government budget
PART 6-APPLICATION OF RULES TO A BUSH FIRE BRIGADE
6.1 Rules to govern
SCHEDULE 1-RULES GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
PART 1-PRELIMINARY
1.1 Interpretation
PART 2-BUSHFIRE BRIGADE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2.1 Management of a bush fire brigade
2.2 Membership of Executive Committee
2.3 Termination of Executive Committee Membership
2.4 Meetings of Executive Committee
2.5 Quorum
2.6 Voting
PART 3-FUNCTIONS OF BRIGADE OFFICERS
3.1 Chain of command during fire fighting activities
3.2 Captain
3.3 Lieutenants
3.4 Fire Control Officers
3.5 Secretary
3.6 Treasurer
3.7 Equipment Officer
3.8 Training Officer
PART 4-MEMBERSHIP OF A BUSHFIRE BRIGADE
4.1 Conditions of Membership
4.2 Applications for Membership
4.3 Decision of Application for Membership
4.4 Notification of Membership
4.5 DFES to be notified of Registrations
PART 5-SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP OF A BUSHFIRE BRIGADE
5.1 Suspension of Membership
5.2 Termination of Membership
5.3 Member has right of defence
5.4 Existing liabilities to continue
5.5 Objection Rights
PART 6-MEETINGS OF THE BUSHFIRE BRIGADE
6.1 Annual General Meeting
6.2 Notification of Elected Office Bearers
6.3 Ordinary/General Meetings
6.4 Special General Meetings
6.5 Notice of a Meeting
6.6 Quorum
6.7 Voting
PART 7-GENERAL ADMINISTRATION MATTERS
7.1 Funds
7.2 Financial Year
7.3 Banking
7.4 Auditing
7.5 Disclosure of Interests
7.6 Dispute Resolution
PART 8-NOTICES
8.1 Notices
SCHEDULE 2-MEMBERSHIP FORM
Section 1 - Shire of Pingelly Bush Fire Brigades Local Law 2022 - Shire of Pingelly Bush Fire Brigades Local Law 2022 | Zoe
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4893
BUSH FIRES ACT 1954
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1995
SHIRE OF PINGELLY
BUSH FIRE BRIGADES LOCAL LAW 2022
PART 1-PRELIMINARY
1.1 Citation
This local law may be cited as the Shire of Pingelly Bush Fire Brigades Local Law 2022.
1.2 Commencement
This local law comes into operation 14 days after the date of its publication in the Government Gazette.
1.3 Definitions
(1) In this local law unless the context otherwise requires—
Act means the Bush Fires Act 1954;
AGM means Annual General Meeting;
AIIMS means Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System;
brigade area is defined in clause 2.1(3)(b);
brigade member means any member referred to in clause 4.1;
brigade officer means a person holding a position referred to in clause 2.2 (3), whether or not he
or she was appointed by the local government or elected at an annual general meeting of a bush
fire brigade or otherwise appointed to the position;
bush fire brigade is defined in section 7 of the Act;
Bush Fire Control Officer means a Bush Fire Control Officer appointed by the local government
under section 38 the Act;
Bush Fire Operating Procedures means the operating procedures adopted by the local
government as amended from time to time;
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the local government;
Chief Bush Fire Control Officer means the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer appointed under the
Act;
Committee means the Committee of the bush fire brigade;
DFES means the Department of Fire and Emergency Services;
direct communications is the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to
another with confirmation of understanding and acknowledgement of receipt;
district means the area within the boundary of the Shire of Pingelly;
local government means the Shire of Pingelly;
local law means the Shire of Pingelly Bush Fire Brigades Local Law 2022;
normal brigade activities are defined by section 35A of the Act;
Regulations means Regulations made under the Act;
Rules means the Rules Governing the Operation of bush fire brigades; and
Schedule means a schedule to this local law.
(2) In this local law, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to—
(a) a Captain;
(b) a First Lieutenant;
(c) a Second Lieutenant;
(d) Fire Control Officer;
(e) any additional Lieutenants;
(f) a Training Officer;
(g) an Equipment Officer;
(h) a Secretary; or
(i) a Treasurer.
means a person holding that position in a bush fire brigade.
1.4 Repeal
The Shire of Pingelly By-Law Relating to Fire Control Matters as published in the Government Gazette
on 1 November 1995 including amendments, is repealed on the day that this local law comes into
operation.
1.5 Application
This local law applies throughout the district.
4894 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
PART 2-ESTABLISHMENT AND CANCELLATION OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
Division 1—Establishment of a Bush Fire Brigade
2.1 Establishment and naming of a bush fire brigade
(1) The local government may establish a bush fire brigade for the purpose of carrying out normal
brigade activities.
(2) A bush fire brigade is established on the date of the local government’s decision under subclause (1).
(3) On establishing a bush fire brigade under clause 2.1(1) the local government is to—
(a) give a name to the bush fire brigade; and
(b) specify the area in which the bush fire brigade is primarily responsible for carrying out the
normal brigade activities (the “brigade area”).
(4) The local government must register the brigade in a register kept pursuant to section 41(2) of the
Act.
2.2 Appointment of brigade officers
(1) On establishing a bush fire brigade under clause 2.1(1) the local government is to appoint or provide
for the election of brigade offices as defined in the Rules Governing the Operation of Bush Fire Brigades
(Schedule 1 of this local law).
(2) When considering the appointment or election of brigade officers the local government is to consider
the qualifications, experience and skills required to fill each position.
(3) A person appointed or elected to a brigade is taken to be a brigade member of that brigade.
(4) The appointments expire at the completion of the first annual general meeting of the bush fire
brigade.
(5) If a position becomes vacant prior to the completion of the first annual general meeting, then the
local government may appoint a person to fill the vacancy.
Division 2—Transitional
2.3 Existing bush fire brigades
Where a local government has established a bush fire brigade prior to the commencement date of this
Local Law, from the commencement date—
(a) The bush fire brigade is to be taken to be a bush fire brigade established under and in
accordance with this local law; and
(b) any Rules Governing the Operation of Bush Fire Brigades are to be taken to have been repealed
and substituted with the Rules.
Division 3—Cancellation of a Bush Fire Brigade
2.4 Cancellation of a bush fire brigade registration
The local government may cancel the registration of a bush fire brigade, in accordance with section
41(3) of the Act, if it is of the opinion that the bush fire brigade is not complying with the Act, this local
law, the Bush Fire Operating Procedures or the Rules.
2.5 New arrangement after cancellation of registration
If a local government cancels the registration of a bush fire brigade, the local government is to make
alternative fire control arrangements for that brigade area.
PART 3—OBJECTIVE, ORGANISATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
Division 1—Objectives of Bush Fire Brigades
3.1 Objectives
The objectives of the bush fire brigade are to carry out—
(a) normal brigade activities; and
(b) the functions of the bush fire brigade as specified in the Act, the Regulations and this local law.
Division 2—Local Government Responsibility
3.2 Local government responsible for structure
The local government is to ensure that an appropriate structure through which the organisation of bush
fire brigades is maintained.
3.3 Bush fire brigade to be supplied with Act
The local government is to supply each bush fire brigade with two copies of the Act, the Regulations,
the bush fire brigade operating procedures, relevant local government policies, this local law and any
other written laws which may be relevant to the performance of the brigade officers’ functions, and any
amendments which are made thereto from time to time.
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4895
Division 3—Bush Fire Advisory Committee
3.4 Functions of Advisory Committee
The Bush Fire Advisory Committee is to have the functions set out in section 67 of the Act and is to
include such number of nominees of the bush fire brigades as may be determined by the local
government from time to time.
3.5 Advisory Committee to consider brigade motions
The Bush Fire Advisory Committee shall consider any motion received from a bush fire brigade and
may make recommendations to the local government in relation to any motion supported by the Bush
Fire Advisory Committee.
Division 4—Bush Fire Control Officers
3.6 Local government to have regard to nominees for Bush Fire Control Officers
When considering the appointment of persons for the position of a Bush Fire Control Officer under
section 38 of the Act, the local government is to have regard to persons nominated by any bush fire
brigade but is not bound to appoint the nominated person(s).
3.7 Functions of a Bush Fire Control Officer
(1) The statutory powers and duties of bush fire control offices shall be those contained in the Act.
(2) Under the provision of section 38 of the Act, the local government may appoint Bush Fire Control
Officers generally or classes of Bush Fire Control Officers in order to carry out some or all the functions
of the Act.
(3) The functions of a Bush Fire Control Officer, or classes of Bush Fire Control Officers, are to be as
described in the Bush Fire Control Officer position description as below but not limited to—
(a) Authorise permits to burn in accordance with the Act
(b) Identify and conduct Risk Assessments in the brigade area
(c) Maintain a personal fire diary to include a log of events and decisions made
(d) Perform duties prescribed by the Act
(e) Provide representation on the Bush Fire Advisory Committee (BFAC)
(f) To take control of firefighting operations at a bush fire within their brigade area
(g) To take control of firefighting operations at a bush fire outside their brigade area where no
other Fire Control Officer is present
(h) exercise any of the appropriate powers of the FES Commissioner under the Fire Brigades
Act 1942, in so far as the same may be necessary or expedient, for extinguishing a bush fire or
for preventing the spread or extension of the fire
(4) The local government may limit the area in which a Bush Fire Control Officer can carry out his
functions to one or more specified bush fire brigade area.
3.8 Local government to advise Bush Fire Advisory Committee of appointments
Within one month of the local government receiving a bush fire brigade’s nomination for persons to
serve as Bush Fire Control Officers, the local government is to advise the Bush Fire Advisory
Committee of the persons appointed by the local government as Bush Fire Control Officers.
Division 5—Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
3.9 Role and duties of Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
(1) Subject to any directions of the CEO, the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer has primary managerial
responsibility for the organisation and maintenance of bush fire brigades.
(2) The Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or his Deputy may attend as a non-voting representative of the
local government, at any meeting of a bush fire brigade.
(3) Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and the Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer who shall be first
and second in seniority of those officers, and subject thereto may determine the respective seniority of
the other Bush Fire Control Officers appointed by it
(4) The duties of the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer are to be as described in the Chief Bush Fire
Control Officer position description in addition to the Bush Fire Control Officer as below but not limited
to—
(a) Demonstrate positive leadership to Bush Fire Brigades;
(b) Promote the use of AIIMS structure during response to FCO’s, Brigades and volunteer fire
fighters;
(c) Provide representation on the Bush Fire Advisory Committee, Regional Operations Advisory
Committee and Local Emergency Management Committee;
(d) Monitor Bush Fire Brigade resourcing, equipment and training levels with the district
(e) Liaise with the local government and other Fire Control Officers concerning fire
prevention/suppression matters generally;
(f) Make tactical decisions with regard to permits to burn, prescribed burning and other
operational matters;
(g) Determine when Harvest and Vehicle movement bans should be implemented in conjunction
with other officers and the local government; and
4896 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
(h) During wildfire incidents manage the fire resources of the Shire and Brigades and where
necessary fulfil role as incident controller.
PART 4-BRIGADE MEMBERSHIP
Division 1—Types of Membership
4.1 Membership of a bush fire brigade
The membership of a bush fire brigade consists of the following—
(a) operational members;
(b) trainee members;
(c) support members;
(d) cadet members;
(e) life members; and
(f) honorary life members. A person shall only have membership of one bushfire brigade with the
local government district at any given time.
4.2 Operational members
Operational members are those persons aged being at least 16 years of age who undertake all normal
brigade activities and have completed the required training qualification as determined by the local
government.
4.3 Trainee members
Members joining a bush fire brigade shall be classified as trainee members until they completed the
basic training qualification as determined by the local government from time to time.
4.4 Cadet members
Cadet members are—
(a) to be aged 11 to 15 years;
(b) to be admitted to membership only with the consent of their parent or guardian;
(c) admitted for the purpose of training and are not to attend an uncontrolled fire or other
emergency incident;
(d) to be supervised by an operational member when undertaking normal brigade activities as
defined by paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (f) and of section 35A of the Act; and
(e) ineligible to vote at brigade meetings.
4.5 Support members
Support members are brigade members who are not otherwise classified as an operational member,
trainee member or cadet member.
4.6 Life member
(1) The brigade may by a simple majority resolution appoint a person as a life member in recognition
of services by that person to the bush fire brigade.
(2) Only an Operational member can be appointed as a life member.
4.7 Honorary life member
(1) The brigade may by a simple majority resolution appoint a person as an honorary life member in
recognition of services by that person to the bushfire brigade.
(2) Honorary life members are ineligible to vote at brigade meetings.
Division 2-Command at a Fire
4.8 Interpretation
In this Division “in attendance” includes attendance—
(a) in person; or
(b) via direct communications.
4.9 Ranks within the bush fire brigade
Where, under the Act, members of a bush fire brigade have command of a fire—
(a) where a Bush Fire Control Officer is in attendance at the fire, the most senior Bush Fire Control
Officer has full control over all other persons fighting the fire and is to issue instructions as to
the methods and tactics to be adopted by the fire fighters, in accordance with sections 39(1)(f)
and 44(3) of the Act; and
(b) in the absence of a Bush Fire Control Officer, the Captain has full control over all other persons
fighting the fire, and is to issue instructions as to the methods and tactics to be adopted by the
fire fighters; and
(c) in the absence of the Captain, the first Lieutenant, and in the absence of the first, the second
Lieutenant and so on, in the order of seniority determined, is to exercise all the powers and
duties of the Captain.
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4897
PART 5-EQUIPMENT OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
5.1 Policies of local government
The local government may make policies to—
(a) provision funding to bush fire brigades for the purchase of protective clothing, equipment and
training; and
(b) keep bush fire brigades informed of funding opportunities from other bodies.
5.2 Equipment in bush fire brigade area
The bush fire brigade is to report to the local government the quantity and quality of all protective
clothing, equipment and appliances of the brigade when directed.
5.3 Funding from local government budget
A request to the local government from a bush fire brigade for funding of protective clothing, equipment,
training or appliance needs shall be submitted to the local government by a date advised by the CEO
or delegate of the CEO, for consideration in the next following local government budget.
5.4 Consideration in the local government budget
The local government—
(a) may approve or decline an application for funding depending upon its assessment of budget
priorities for the year in question; and
(b) shall advise bush fire brigades of the final outcome of their individual requests for funding
within a reasonable time frame.
PART 6-APPLICATION OF RULES TO A BUSH FIRE BRIGADE
6.1 Rules to govern
(1) The Rules govern the operation of a bush fire brigade.
(2) A bush fire brigade and each bush fire brigade member is to comply with the Rules.
(3) The Rules Governing the Operation of Bush Fire Brigades are detailed at Schedule 1.
SCHEDULE 1 - RULES GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF BUSH FIRE BRIGADES
PART 1-PRELIMINARY
1.1 Interpretation
(1) Unless the context otherwise requires, where a term is used in these Rules and is defined in the
local law, the Act or the Regulations, then the term is to be taken to have the meaning assigned to it in
this local law, the Act or the Regulations, as the case may be.
(2) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires—
simple majority means a majority of more than 50% of members of—
(a) brigade members of a bush fire brigade, present in person if the majority is required at a
meeting of the bush fire brigade; or
(b) brigade officers of the bush fire brigade, present in person, if the majority is required at a
meeting of the Committee.
PART 2-BUSHFIRE BRIGADE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2.1 Management of a bush fire brigade
(1) The administration and management of the affairs of a bush fire brigade are vested in the Executive
Committee, subject to the provisions of these Rules.
(2) The Executive Committee’s functions include, but are not limited to—
(a) recommending amendments to these Rules to the local government;
(b) approving the brigade’s annual budget and presenting it at the brigade’s annual general
meeting;
(c) proposing a motion for consideration at any bush fire brigade meeting;
(d) recommending to the local government equipment which needs to be supplied by the local
government to the bush fire brigade;
(e) investing or placing on deposit any bush fire brigade funds not immediately required to perform
normal brigade activities;
(f) delegating to a person, any Executive Committee functions (being less than the total functions
of the Executive Committee) as considered reasonable, on any conditions it thinks fit;
(g) doing all things necessary or convenient in order to perform any of its functions and to secure
the performance of the normal brigade activities by the bush fire brigade; and
(h) dealing with membership applications, grievances, disputes and disciplinary matters.
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2.2 Membership of Executive Committee
(1) The brigade Executive Committee is to consist of the Captain, Lieutenants, Fire Control Officer,
Secretary, Treasurer, and any other brigade members as may be determined by the Executive
Committee from time to time.
(2) The Executive Committee members are to—
(a) be elected at the brigade’s annual general meeting;
(b) hold office until the next annual general meeting; and
(c) be eligible for re-election at the next annual general meeting.
2.3 Termination of Executive Committee Membership
(1) Any Executive Committee member may be removed from office by a majority decision of the brigade
members present in person at a special meeting called for such a purpose.
(2) If a position becomes vacant prior to the commencement of the annual general meeting, then the
bush fire brigade is to elect a person to fill the vacancy at a bush fire brigade meeting.
(3) The local government is to be advised within 7 days of the removal of an Executive Committee
member from office under subclause (1), or the election of a person to fill a vacancy under subclause (2).
2.4 Meetings of Executive Committee
(1) The Executive Committee is to meet for the dispatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its
meeting as it thinks fit.
(2) The Captain or the Secretary, may convene a meeting of the Executive Committee at any time giving
members a minimum of 3 days’ notice.
2.5 Quorum
(1) The quorum for an Executive Committee meeting is 50% of members of the Executive Committee
present, either in person or via direct communication.
(2) No business is to be transacted at an Executive Committee meeting, without a quorum of Executive
Committee members.
(3) Subject to these Rules, a decision made by the Executive Committee may be made by a resolution
passed by a simple majority of Executive Committee members who are present in person, via electronic
communication.
2.6 Voting
(1) Each Executive Committee member is to have one vote.
(2) In the case of an equality of votes, the person presiding may exercise an additional casting vote.
PART 3-FUNCTIONS OF BRIGADE OFFICERS
3.1 Chain of command during fire fighting activities
Subject to the Act and the local law, the command procedures to apply during fire fighting activities
are as detailed in the Bush Fires Act 1954 and Shire of Pingelly Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.
3.2 Captain
The Captain assumes the role of the most senior operational member of the brigade and is to—
(a) subject to subclause (b) below, preside at all meetings;
(b) in the absence of the President, the meeting may elect another person to preside at the meeting;
(c) promote the objectives of the Brigade;
(d) demonstrate positive leadership and mentor members;
(e) attend meetings as requested by the local government;
(f) in the absence of a Bush Fire Control Officer take overall charge of fire suppression activities,
and/or ensure the principles of the Incident Management System are boing adhered to during
wildfire suppression or during hazard reduction programs;
(g) provide leadership for the Brigade and related administration;
(h) ultimately undertake responsibility for the proper management and maintenance of Brigade
property and equipment;
(i) deputise for the Bush Fire Control Officer at Bushfire Advisory Committee meetings when
required;
(j) advise the Brigade on administrative matters;
(k) ensure Brigade members are adequately trained to carry out their functions in accordance with
the Brigade standards;
(l) in the absence of a Bush Fire Control Officer conduct brigade briefings and post incident
analysis of any incident involving fire fighting;
(m) conduct Brigade briefings and post incident analysis of any management issues;
(n) to ensure that the incident reports are submitted to the local government within 14 days of the
occurrence; and
(o) ensure the behaviour of members is in accordance with the local government’s code of conduct.
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4899
3.3 Lieutenants
(1) The Brigade may increase or decrease the number of Lieutenants to meet their specific operational
requirements, up to a maximum of four.
(2) All Lieutenants shall be ranked numerically according to seniority.
(3) The first Lieutenant assumes the role of the second most senior operational member of the Brigade,
and so on.
(4) The duties of the Lieutenant are to—
(a) provide support to the Captain;
(b) command and manage members during emergencies and other Brigade related activities;
(c) demonstrate positive leadership and mentor members;
(d) maintain open lines of communication and encourage positive interaction and teamwork
between members;
(e) ensure Bush Fire Operating Procedures are adhered to during Brigade activities
(f) ensure members engaged in fire fighting activities hold competencies relevant to the task;
(g) work cohesively with the Brigade Training Officer and conduct training activities for members;
and
(h) ensure the behaviour of members is in accordance with the Local Government’s code of conduct.
3.4 Fire Control Officer (FCO)
(1) FCOs are nominated by the brigade to the Bush Fire Advisory Committee and forwarded to the local
government for consideration and ratification.
(2) Duties and responsibilities of the FCO include-
(a) authorise permits for hazard reduction burns within the local government in accordance with
the Act;
(b) identify and conduct risk assessments of fire hazards within the local government;
(c) perform duties prescribed by the Act and authorised by the local government;
(d) may take overall control of fire suppression activities or operational incidents where the local
government is the Controlling Agency;
(e) maintain a personal incident diary to include a record of events and decisions during an
incident; and
(f) conduct brigade briefings and post incident analysis of any incident involving fire fighting or
management issues.
3.5 Secretary
The Secretary is to—
(a) keep a correct minute and account of the proceedings of all meetings of the brigade and the
Executive Committee which shall be open for inspection by brigade members at any reasonable
time;
(b) answer all correspondence or direct it appropriately, and keep a record of the same;
(c) prepare and send out all necessary notices of meetings; and
(d) maintain a register of all current brigade members which includes each brigade member’s
contact details and type of membership.
(e) Provide the local government a copy of the AGM minutes within 14 days of the meeting being
held.
3.6 Treasurer
The Treasurer is to—
(a) receive donations and monies on behalf of the brigade and deposit all monies to the credit of
the brigade’s bank account;
(b) pay accounts as authorised by the Executive Committee;
(c) keep a record of all monies received and payments made, maintain the accounts and prepare
the balance sheet for each financial year;
(d) be the custodian of all monies of the brigade; and
(e) report on the financial position at meetings of the brigade or Executive Committee;
(f) prepare requests for funding for submission to the local government;
(g) prepare for submission to local government an annual statement of acquittal providing detail
of expenditure of funding monies received; and
(h) make available the financial statements of the brigade for review by the local government on
request.
3.7 Equipment Officer
(1) The Equipment Officer is—
(a) responsible for the inspection and maintenance of all equipment and appliances as directed by
the brigade Captain;
4900 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
(b) to report to the local government any damage incurred to brigade equipment as soon as
practicable; and
(c) to report to the local government any maintenance required to brigade equipment as soon as
practicable.
(2) In consultation with the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer an Equipment Officer may temporarily
locate equipment at an alternative location from time to time for operational purposes.
(3) In the absence of this position the Captain will assume these responsibilities.
3.8 Training Officer
(1) The Training Officer is responsible for the coordination of brigade training under the direction of
the Captain and the local government.
(2) In the absence of this position the Captain will assume these responsibilities.
PART 4-MEMBERSHIP OF A BUSH FIRE BRIGADE
4.1 Conditions of membership
(1) Members of a bush fire brigade shall comply with the bush fire brigade operating procedures in
carrying out normal brigade activities.
(2) In relation to any type of membership, as described in Part 4 of the local law, the local government
may establish policies regarding—
(a) the qualifications required;
(b) fitness for duty;
(c) a requirement to serve a probationary period; and
(d) the Executive Committee’s assessment of an application for membership.
4.2 Applications for membership
Applications for membership of a bush fire brigade shall—
(a) be submitted to the Captain or Secretary of the relevant bush fire brigade, who shall forward
a copy of the application to the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer within 1 week of the application
being submitted; and
(b) shall be determined by the brigade’s Executive Committee, who shall consider any advice
received from the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer in relation to the application.
4.3 Decision on application for membership
(1) Subject to clause 2.1, the Executive Committee may—approve an application for membership
unconditionally or subject to any conditions; or decline an application for membership.
(2) If the Executive Committee declines an application for membership, it is to give written notice to
the applicant as soon as practicable after the decision is made and advise the applicant that he or she
has the right to object to the local government.
(3) The local government is to be advised of approved applications within 14 days of approval of
membership.
4.4 Notification of membership
(1) All approved applications for membership forms are to be submitted to the local government within
1 week of the application being made in accordance with clause 4.2 of the Rules.
(2) As soon as practicable after the bush fire brigade annual general meeting, the local government will
supply all bush fire brigades with a list of current membership.
(3) Within 1 month of being provided a list under subclause (2), the bush fire brigade must review the
list and report any anomalies to the local government.
(4) The local government will supply the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer a list of current membership
of any or all brigades upon request.
4.5 DFES to be notified of registrations
The local government is to supply details of any approved membership applications to DFES within14
days of a person being admitted to membership in the form required by the DFES from time to time.
PART 5-SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP OF A BUSHFIRE BRIGADE
5.1 Suspension of membership
(1) Membership of the bush fire brigade may be suspended at any time if, in the opinion of the Executive
Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer, circumstances warrant
suspending the member.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (2), a member of a bush fire brigade may be suspended
in the event the member—
(a) contravenes the Act, the Regulations, the brigade operating procedures, this local law or the
local government’s bush fire brigade policies;
(b) has performed an unsafe act that jeopardizes the safety of the member or others;
10 October 2022 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 4901
(c) has been charged with a criminal offence relevant to the member’s role within the brigade and
is awaiting court proceedings;
(d) is unfit (physically, emotionally and/or mentally), or unable to perform the inherent
requirements that could reasonably be expected of the role; or
(e) has acted in a manner contrary to the local government’s code of conduct policy.
(3) The suspended member may be excluded immediately from all or any specified bush fire brigade
activities.
(4) The period of suspension shall be determined by the Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire
Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer, and a review of the suspension shall take place within
three months of the date of suspension.
(5) Upon the expiry of the period of suspension the Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control
Officer or the Chief Executive Officer may—
(a) extend the period of suspension;
(b) terminate the membership; or
(c) reinstate the membership.
5.2 Termination of membership
(1) Membership of the brigade terminates if the member—
(a) dies;
(b) gives written notice of resignation to the Executive Committee;
(c) is dismissed by the Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief
Executive Officer, by reason of—
(i) failing to comply with the objectives of the bush fire brigade under clause 3.1 of this local
law;
(ii) failing to comply with the Act, the Regulations, the bush fire operating procedures, the
local law or relevant local government policies;
(iii) displaying conduct detrimental to the interests and reputation of the bush fire brigade;
(iv) being convicted of a criminal offence that in the opinion of the Chief Bush Fire Control
Officer would ordinarily exclude the member from joining a brigade; or
(v) has acted in a manner contrary to the local government’s code of conduct policies.
(2) A brigade member who has had their membership to a brigade terminated for any of the reasons
contained in 5.2(1)(c) is ineligible to join another bush fire brigade within the local government district
for 12 months or longer as determined by the Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control
Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.
(3) A brigade member who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control
Officer or the Chief Executive Officer, has not adequately fulfilled his or her role within the bush fire
brigade, and has not responded to any written correspondence requesting that he or she state their
intentions, within 21 days, shall be deemed to have resigned from the bush fire brigade.
(4) Where the local government reasonably considers that a member of a bush fire brigade has behaved
in a manner that may lead to termination, the local government may give notice to the Executive
Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer requesting the
Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer to
investigate the matter.
(5) Where a membership is terminated, all property owned by the bush fire brigade or the local
government that is held by or in the possession of the person whose membership has been terminated,
shall be returned on demand to the bush fire brigade or the local government.
5.3 Member has right of defence
A bush fire brigade member dismissed under clause 5.2(1)(c) or has his or her membership terminated
under clause 5.1(5)(b), will be afforded the principle of natural justice through the right of reply to the
Executive Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.
5.4 Existing liabilities to continue
The resignation, or dismissal of a member under clause 5.2 or the suspension or termination of a
member under clause 5.1 does not affect any liability of the bush fire brigade member arising prior to
the date of resignation, dismissal, suspension or termination as the case may be.
5.5 Objection rights
(1) A person whose—
(a) application for membership is refused under clause 4.3(1)(b);
(b) membership is terminated under clauses 5.2(1)(c)(v) or clause 5.1(5)(b); or
(c) membership is suspended under clause 5.1(1) or clause 5.1(2), has a right of objection to the
local government.
(2) Where a person lodges an objection to the local government under subclause (1), the local
government may deal with the objection by—
(a) dismissing the objection;
(b) varying the decision objected to; or
4902 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
(c) revoking the decision objected to, with or without—
(i) substituting for it another decision; or
(ii) referring the matter, with or without directions, for another decision by the Executive
Committee or the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.
(3) No further right of review is available under this local law in respect of a decision made by a local
government pursuant to subclause (2).
PART 6-MEETINGS OF THE BUSH FIRE BRIGADE
6.1 Annual General Meeting
(1) A bush fire brigade is to hold its annual general meeting prior to the commencement of May each
year.
(2) The Secretary is to give at least 14 days’ notice in writing of the annual general meeting to all
brigade members.
(3) At the annual general meeting the bush fire brigade is to—
(a) elect the brigade officers from among the brigade members;
(b) brigade’s nominee for Fire Control Officer;
(c) consider the Captain’s report on the year’s activities;
(d) adopt the annual financial statements;
(e) deal with any general business arising from the previous annual general meeting; and
(f) deal with any business approved by the Captain.
6.2 Notification of Elected Office Bearers
(1) The Secretary is to forward a list of elected office bearers and contact details from the brigade’s
annual general meeting to the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and the local government within1 month
of the annual general meeting.
(2) Where an office bearer is elected at a meeting other than an annual general meeting, the Secretary
shall forward a revised list of the elected office bearers and contact details to the Chief Bush Fire
Control Officer and the local government within 1 month of the meeting at which the office bearer is
elected.
(3) If the local government lodges an objection to the election of an office bearer with the Bush Fire
Brigade within 1 month of receiving the list of elected office bearers required under clause 6.2(1) or (2)
of these Rules, the Bush Fire Brigade must elect an alternative office bearer to that position.
6.3 Ordinary/General meetings
Ordinary meetings may be called at any time by the Secretary by giving at least 7 days’ notice to all
brigade members.
6.4 Special General meetings
(1) The Secretary is to call a special general meeting when 5 or more brigade members request one
inwriting.
(2) The Secretary is to give at least 14 days’ notice of a special general meeting to all brigade members.
(3) In a notice given under subclause (2) the Secretary is to specify the business which is to be conducted
at the meeting.
(4) No business is to be conducted at a special general meeting beyond that specified in the notice given
under subclause (3) in relation to that meeting.
6.5 Notice of a meeting
(1) Notices of meetings of the bush fire brigade are to be in writing.
(2) The notice of a meeting shall—
(a) set out the date, time and place of the meeting;
(b) set out particulars of motions of which notice has been given; and
(c) in the case of special meetings, set out particulars of the business to be transacted.
(d) Notices of Executive Committee meetings may be given in writing in accordance with subclause
(1) or by such other means as the Executive Committee may decide at an Executive Committee
meeting.
(3) Any accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or non-receipt by a person entitled to receive
such notice, is not to invalidate the meeting, the subject of notice or any resolutions passed at the
meeting.
6.6 Quorum
(1) Except for Executive Committee Meetings, the quorum for a meeting of the brigade is at least 50%
of Executive Committee members and a total of not less than 7 members.
(2) Notwithstanding the provision of (1) the CBFCO may vary these requirements to with the approval
of the local government.
(3) No business is to be transacted at a meeting of the bush fire brigade unless a quorum of brigade
members is present in person.
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6.7 Voting
(1) Each eligible brigade member is to have 1 vote.
(2) Voting to be in the form of—
(a) In person
(b) Pre arrange public electronic meeting format (i.e. ZOOM)
(c) Public telephone conversation (i.e. speaker phone)
(d) Voting via proxy is not permitted
(3) In the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding may exercise a casting vote.
(4) Subject to these Rules, where a decision is to be made by the bush fire brigade, then the decision
may be made by a resolution passed by a majority of the brigade’s members.
PART 7-GENERAL ADMINISTRATION MATTERS
7.1 Funds
The funds of a bush fire brigade are to be used solely for the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the
Bush Fire Brigade.
7.2 Financial year
The financial year of a bush fire brigade is to commence on 1 July and end on 30 June of the following
year.
7.3 Banking
(1) The funds of a bush fire brigade are to be placed in the bush fire brigade’s bank account and are to
be drawn on only by—
(a) cheques signed jointly by any 2, of the Captain, 1st Lieutenant, Secretary or Treasurer; or
(b) authorised use of electronic banking by the Secretary or Treasurer in accordance with
subclause (2).
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1)(b), any 2 of the Captain, 1st Lieutenant, Secretary or Treasurer
may authorise in writing the use of electronic banking to draw on the brigade’s funds.
7.4 Auditing
(1) The bush fire brigade shall supply on request to the local government the brigade’s full financial
records for the financial year.
(2) The local government may request the brigade’s financial and accounting records for a review at any
time.
7.5 Disclosure of interests
(1) A brigade member shall disclose to the bush fire brigade or the Executive Committee any financial
or personal interest (whether direct, indirect or perceived) he or she may have in any matter being
considered by the bush fire brigade or the Executive Committee, as appropriate.
(2) If an interest has been disclosed under subclause (1), then the bush fire brigade or Executive
Committee, as appropriate, is to decide, in the absence of the brigade member who disclosed that
interest, whether or not the brigade member is to be permitted to vote on that matter.
(3) Where the bush fire brigade or Executive Committee, as appropriate, decides under subclause (2),
that a brigade member is not permitted to vote on the matter, then her or his vote is to be taken to have
no effect and is not to be counted.
7.6 Dispute Resolution
(1) Any dispute between brigade members may be referred to the Captain or to the Executive
Committee for resolution.
(2) Where a dispute referred under subclause (1) is considered by the Captain or the Executive
Committee to concern the general interests of the bush fire brigade, then the Captain or the Executive
Committee, is to refer the dispute to the annual general meeting, an ordinary meeting or a special
general meeting of the bush fire brigade.
(3) The local government is the final authority on matters affecting the bush fire brigade and may
resolve any dispute which is not resolved under subclause (1) or (2).
PART 8-NOTICES
8.1 Notices
Where any notice other than a notice of meeting is to be given under these Rules, the notice may be
given by—
(a) personal delivery;
(b) post;
(c) Email;
(d) short message service (SMS) or the like; or
(e) facsimile transmission, or
(f) any other method approved by the local government
4904 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 10 October 2022
SCHEDULE 2-MEMBERSHIP FORM