The Tasmanian Government have announced plans to merge the Tasmania Fire Service and the State Emergency Service into one entity, to be named the Tasmania Fire and Emergency Service.
The merger is intended to address ‘poor governance arrangements and outdated funding arrangements’ that they say are hampering the ability of fire and emergency service providers and the community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The new entity will be headed by a commissioner, with current Tasmania Fire Service Chief Officer Dermot Barry set to fill the role.
The merger has been backed by the United Firefighters Union Australia and includes greater protections for emergency service volunteers.
The individual identities of the Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service will be maintained as requested by staff and volunteers.
The legislation for the reform must still be voted on in parliament, while funding for the new model will be part of the 2023/24 budget.
