The Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (VFFA) has called for a full independent parliamentary inquiry into the management and culture of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), alleging widespread bullying, harassment, intimidation and governance failures within the organisation.
The call comes as the association says increasing numbers of volunteers have reported concerns about workplace culture and internal accountability.
In a public statement released this week, the VFFA said it was seeking an independent investigation into what it described as "serious allegations of bullying, harassment, intimidation, corruption, victimisation and systemic abuse of power" within the management of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The association alleges that volunteers who have attempted to raise concerns have been silenced, intimidated or subjected to retaliation.
"For too long, volunteers who have raised legitimate concerns have allegedly been silenced, threatened, pushed out, or professionally and personally damaged for speaking up," the VFFA said.
The association further alleged that careers, reputations and mental health had been affected while senior management had failed to adequately address complaints.
The VFFA claims its campaign is now receiving support and is calling for a parliamentary inquiry rather than further internal investigations.
"Enough internal investigations. Enough excuses. Enough political protection," the statement said.
"The public deserves the truth. Volunteers deserve justice. And those responsible must be held accountable."
Thousands of Volunteers Across NSW
The NSW Rural Fire Service is the world's largest volunteer firefighting organisation, with more than 70,000 volunteers protecting communities across New South Wales.
In the Hawkesbury, local RFS brigades play a vital role in responding to bushfires, structure fires, floods, storms and other emergencies, with volunteers contributing thousands of hours each year to community protection.
The Hawkesbury has experienced some of the state's most significant bushfire events, including the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer fires, making the effectiveness and wellbeing of the volunteer service a matter of considerable local interest.
Governance and Culture
The VFFA said the inquiry should examine allegations including bullying, favouritism, retaliation against volunteers, closed-door decision-making and a lack of transparency.
The association argues that while volunteers willingly place themselves in dangerous situations to protect their communities, some have been reluctant to raise concerns about organisational issues because they fear adverse consequences.
The VFFA says no public organisation should be beyond scrutiny and accountability.
Call for Independent Oversight
Rather than relying on internal reviews, the association is seeking an inquiry conducted through the NSW Parliament with powers to receive evidence from volunteers and examine management practices.
The Hawkesbury Gazette has previously reported on concerns raised by some volunteers regarding aspects of Rural Fire Service governance and accountability. The VFFA's latest statement is broader in scope, focusing on organisational culture and governance across the entire NSW Rural Fire Service.
RFS Response Sought
The Hawkesbury Gazette has sought comment from the NSW Rural Fire Service regarding the VFFA's call for a parliamentary inquiry and the allegations raised in its public statement. The questions asked were:
- Does the NSW Rural Fire Service support or oppose the VFFA's call for an independent parliamentary inquiry? If not, why?
- How does the NSW Rural Fire Service respond to the VFFA's allegations of systemic bullying, harassment, intimidation, victimisation, governance failures and abuse of power within the organisation?
- What independent and confidential avenues are available to volunteers who wish to report concerns about workplace culture, bullying or misconduct, and what protections exist against retaliation?
- Does the NSW Rural Fire Service consider its current governance, complaint handling and accountability processes to be adequate? If so, why?
- Is there any additional information the NSW Rural Fire Service would like to provide to reassure volunteers and the community about the organisation's culture, governance and commitment to accountability?
Any response recieved will be published.
What the VFFA is Calling For
The Volunteer Fire Fighters Association is seeking:
- An independent parliamentary inquiry into the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- Examination of allegations of bullying and harassment.
- Investigation of claims of intimidation and victimisation.
- Review of governance and management practices.
- Greater transparency and accountability.
- Independent oversight rather than internal investigations.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has not, at the time of publication, responded publicly to the VFFA's latest statement. The allegations remain allegations and have not been determined by a parliamentary inquiry or court.
Interested parties can contact the Volunteer Fire Fighers Association via their website https://volunteerfirefighters.org.au/
Explainer: Who is the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association?
The Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (VFFA) is an independent organisation established to represent the interests of volunteer members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Unlike the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA), which is the body formally recognised under the Rural Fires Act to represent both volunteer and salaried members of the RFS, the VFFA operates independently of the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government.
While both organisations advocate on behalf of Rural Fire Service members, they have different roles.
Why was it formed?
According to the association, the VFFA was established in October 2004 by the late Peter Cannon, a Group Captain with the Mid Lachlan Team.
The organisation says it was created after concerns raised following the 2001 Goobang National Park fires were not adequately addressed by government agencies or existing representative bodies.
Peter Cannon believed volunteer firefighters required an independent organisation that could advocate directly to government and Rural Fire Service management on behalf of volunteers.
What does the VFFA do?
The association describes itself as "the independent voice of volunteer firefighters in NSW."
Its stated objectives include:
- Representing the views of volunteer firefighters.
- Advocating for improved bushfire management and mitigation.
- Assisting volunteers with grievances, workplace issues and disciplinary matters.
- Promoting volunteer welfare, workplace health and safety, training and mental health.
- Providing information and support to volunteers across New South Wales.
- Membership is available to individual NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers and brigades, with the organisation stating that membership is free.
How is it organised?
The VFFA is an incorporated not-for-profit association based in New South Wales.
It is governed by an Executive Council comprising positions including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and regional volunteer representatives from across the state. The association says it also has officers responsible for workplace health and safety, media, membership and volunteer support.
Recent Advocacy
In recent years the VFFA has been active on issues including:
- Volunteer welfare.
- Bullying and harassment.
- Workplace health and safety.
- Governance and transparency.
- Firefighter mental health.
- Bushfire management policy.
- Equipment and operational capability.
Most recently, the association has called for an independent parliamentary inquiry into the management and culture of the NSW Rural Fire Service, citing allegations of bullying, intimidation, victimisation, governance failures and systemic abuse of power. Those allegations have been made by the VFFA and have not been tested in a parliamentary inquiry or court.
