PIFSA Fire and Emergency Services - Executive Forum
The inaugural Pacific Islands Fire Services Association (PIFSA) Fire and Emergency Services Executive Forum was held in Papua New Guinea from 21 to 25 June, 2010.
The Forum was attended by senior fire and emergency services personnel from PNG, Cook Islands, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, Vanuatu, Nauru, Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Australia.
Participants expressed their gratitude and thanks to the PNG Government and the PNG Fire Service for hosting the Forum and for their warm and gracious welcome. They also expressed deep appreciation for the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) in sponsoring this event and to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) for its continued support to the work of PIFSA.
The Forum was officially opened in Port Moresby by the Hon Sam Abal, PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration. Guests were welcomed at the opening by the President of PIFSA and PNG Chief Fire Officer Isaac Silas and included the PNG Assistant Commissioner of Police Awan Sete, AFAC Chief Executive Officer Naomi Brown, Chief Officer Grant Lupton from the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, representatives of AusAID, PNG fire service personnel and members of the public.
The theme of the Forum, ‘Proactive Partnership in Disaster Risk Management’, reflects the intentions of PIFSA and its membership to work closely with other stakeholders, including NDMO, and playing a bigger role in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery on an all hazards basis.
Guest speakers during the Forum were Mr Martin Mose, Director National Disaster Centre, Mr David MacLachlan-Karr, UN Resident Coordinator and Mr Jock Paul, OCHA Humanitarian Affairs Officer, who shared with participants an overview and understanding of the work of the United Nations and in particular those who have a mandate for disaster planning and response. Explanations of key inter-regional programs and priorities were invaluable in identifying important linkages for Forum delegates.
Participants outlined to the Forum the top strategic issues and future challenges they are currently addressing and discussions subsequently highlighted those that were common to all. It became evident as participants shared their experiences that there was scope to work together on addressing some of those issues. It was agreed that working together would strengthen relationships as well as improve the ability for agencies to be interoperable when disaster overwhelms.
Fire and Emergency Services Legislation
Identified as one of the two top issues common to all participating agencies, it was felt fire and emergency services could benefit from the strengthening of the legislative basis upon which they provide their services. Specific legislation formulated to ensure that fire and emergency services have appropriate authority to act as well as the ability to enforce specific provisions and other key pieces of legislation (for example, building regulations) is seen as important factors in disaster risk reduction and community safety.
Pacific Islands Fire and Emergency Services Competency Framework
The other top issue common to all participating agencies is the need for a common training framework, relevant and specific to the Pacific Islands. Creating and maintaining a skilled, competent team of fire and emergency services personnel is paramount to achieving disaster risk reduction objectives. Unanimously agreed and a major challenge for all, work commenced on scoping the creation of a Model relevant to the Pacific.
Fire and Emergency Services Infrastructure
All agencies raised issues of the need for adequate infrastructure, including facilities, vehicles, equipment and communications. Participants discussed the availability of standards and specifications that can be shared and requirements incorporated into future National Action Plan programs. The Australian and New Zealand participants re-stated their offer of access to collaborative purchasing opportunities and the use of standards for adaptation to meet the needs of Pacific Islands.
All-hazards Service Delivery
All hazards service delivery emerged as a key issue for all agencies. The role of fire services is now expanding to incorporate many more elements of emergency service provision, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, disaster response, recovery and to a small extent reconstruction.
Responsibility to respond to a wide range of hazards rests with fire and emergency services. In many cases the ability to respond to these hazards (fire, storm, floods, tsunamis, earthquake, hazardous materials and industrial incidents, etc), requires the creation or strengthening of capacity and capability of the emergency services.
Participants explored how they can assist each other and share their knowledge and experience.
Government Policy and Administration
As nations pursue growth and development there is a commensurate increase in the exposure to risks and other hazards. Improving the quality of life and safety of citizens is at the heart of the purpose and intent of fire and emergency services. As nations grow, so too does the impact on fire and emergency services grow. Managing expectations and investing in the fire and emergency services was raised as a key consideration.
Participants agreed that their participation in the development of National Action Plans facilitated through the UNDP, SOPAC and the National Disaster Management Offices was an important consideration and agreed to strengthen the relationship with their respective NDMO.
Partnership Meetings
Meetings between Pacific Islands delegates and their Australian and New Zealand counterparts were held in conjunction with the Forum leading to consolidated partnership. The opportunity for such meetings is rare and participants were able to discuss a wide range of issues and share knowledge and experiences.
Summary of Outcomes
- Participants expressed their deep gratitude and thanks for the opportunity to discuss fire and emergency services issues with their peers in the Pacific and with their counterparts in Australia and New Zealand.
- The PIFSA Strategic Directions statements were re-stated and key result areas outlined. The work of the Forum will be used to update the priorities and re-state the key intent of PIFSA work.
- Consensus was reached on the need for a common Fire and Emergency Services Competency Framework. A strategy for a way forward was shaped and agreement reached on progress of this work.
- Agreement was also reached on the need to create model Fire and Emergency Services Legislation. This Model would be made available to each PIFSA delegate as input into the development of Legislation to suit local requirements.
- The PIFSA Capability and Capacity Development Model was tested and refined using the feedback and input from all participants.
- The Forum resulted in the strengthening of the relationship between all parties and a rich cultural exchange evidenced by the camaraderie and friendship displayed during and at the end of the Forum.
- Improved relationships and the connection between participants forged throughout the Forum have laid a foundation for supporting each other when overwhelmed by disasters and in need of resilience.
- The status of the PIFSA Business Case proposal was discussed and options considered should the proposal be unsuccessful.
A detailed report on the activities of the Forum is currently being prepared.
If you would like more information about PIFSA or this Forum please contact:
PIFSA President and PNG Chief Fire Officer Isaac Silas
PIFSA Secretariat Manager Jill Edwards
Contact:
Phone:
