The position statements outlined below represent the agreed, collective view of AFAC member agencies as researched and determined by senior representatives of those agencies.  The positions, supported by detailed discussion and analysis, provide an industry perspective on matters of national and industry importance and are designed to convey a consistent meaning and understanding.

Safety of the Community

• Bushfires and Community Safety - Prepare, Stay and Defend or Leave Early
  This paper expresses AFAC's position on the safety of residents and their homes during a bushfire event as of 2005.  This position is now under review and will consider the events of Black Saturday and the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.  It is expected an updated position will be availalbe in early 2010.
  

• National Systems Approach to Community Warnings
  This Discussion Paper outlines an approach that incorporates four elements considered important for warnings to be effective. The paper is one of a suite of discussion papers relevant to the future refresh of the Bushfires and Community Safety position statement.

• Smoke Alarms
  The purpose of this position is to support AFAC member agency efforts to inform and educate home owners and occupiers about best practice in regard to domestic smoke alarms. As legislative provisions for smoke alarms vary between Australian jurisidctions, AFAC seeks to influence Government to adopt consistent and effective smoke alarm provisions across Australia.
  
  
• Fire Risk from the Management of Gamba Grass in Northern Australia
  The purpose of this position is to establish an informed national approach to the use, management and control of Gamba grass in relation to fire risk. This position is supported by a Background Paper which outlines the underpinning rationale and thinking.

Fire Fighter Safety

• Class A Recycled Water for Fire Fighting Purposes
  The purpose of this paper is to establish an informed stance on whether the use of Class A recycled water poses a health risk to fire fighters and consequently whether it should be used for fire fighting purposes. The Background Paper on this issue outlines all supporting analysis and thinking.
  
  
• Use of Lookouts, Awareness, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones (LACES) System for Wildfire Firefighters Safety on the Fire Ground
  This is a position to implement Lookouts, Awareness, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones (LACES) into all Australian and New Zealand fire services to increase fire fighter safety during wildfire operations. It provides a simple way to help fire fighters remember the key elements to survival and the avoidance of entrapment situations.
  
  
• Use of Personal Fire Shelters in Wildfires
  This is a position to affirm that the use of personal fire shelters as a means of self protection of fire fighters in Australasia is not recommended in favour of other more proactive safety systems.  The Discussion Paper on this issue outlines all supporting documentation and analysis.
  

Interoperability

• Common Hose Couplings for AFAC Member Agencies
  This discussion paper concludes that a combination of Storz and Forestry couplings would best meet the needs of Australian AFAC member agencies due to their sexless design, lack of complexity and existing use by multiple agences.
  
  
• AFAC Information Exchange Standards (CAP & ICEMS)
  The purpose of establishing this position is to create a base upon which fire and emergency services can progressively develop systems and processes that lead to the seamless exchange of information and improved community safety outcomes. 

Environment

• AFAC Position Paper: Climate Change and the Fire and Emergency Services Sector.
  This position is to establish an informed national approach to climate change and its impacts on fire and emergency service organisations. It is supported by a comprehensive scientific review of climate change in a draft Discussion Paper.