South Australian Numbered Acts

FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ACT 2005 (NO 40 OF 2005) - SECT 8

8—Functions and powers

        (1)         The Commission has the following functions:

            (a)         to develop and maintain a strategic and policy framework across the emergency services sector;

            (b)         to develop and implement a framework of sound corporate governance across the emergency services sector;

            (c)         to ensure that appropriate strategic, administrative and other support services are provided to the emergency services organisations;

            (d)         to ensure that appropriate strategic and business plans are developed, maintained and implemented across the emergency services sector;

            (e)         to provide for the effective allocation of resources within the emergency services sector;

            (f)         to ensure that the emergency services organisations have appropriate systems and practices in place—

                  (i)         to provide for effective management and planning; and

                  (ii)         to monitor management performance against plans and targets, and to take corrective action as necessary;

            (g)         to ensure that the emergency services organisations maintain appropriate risk-management systems and practices;

            (h)         to ensure that the emergency services organisations regularly review, and revise as necessary, their plans, structures, systems, targets and practices to address changing circumstances and to improve the provision of emergency services and business practices;

                  (i)         to ensure that the emergency services organisations meet their statutory responsibilities and comply with the provisions of this or any other relevant Act;

            (j)         to ensure the observance of high ethical standards within the emergency services sector;

            (k)         to foster and support career development opportunities for officers and staff within the emergency services sector;

            (l)         to support and encourage voluntary participation in SACFS and SASES, and to foster and support personal development opportunities for members of the emergency services organisations;

            (m)         to recognise outstanding achievements of persons who are involved in the provision of fire and emergency services, or who take action or assist at the scene of any fire or emergency or who otherwise support the objectives or activities of the emergency services sector (or any part of that sector), within any part of the State;

            (n)         to ensure that there is effective consultation with the community in relation to the operation of this Act;

            (o)         to disseminate knowledge in the field of fire and emergency services in order to advance community safety;

            (p)         to maintain an appropriate level of strategic liaison with the peak body responsible for the management of emergencies in the State;

            (q)         to provide regular reports to the Minister on the activities and performance of the emergency services sector;

            (r)         to provide to the Minister reports or advice in relation to the operation of this Act or the provision of emergency services under this Act;

            (s)         to perform any other function assigned to the Commission by or under this or any other Act.

        (2)         The Commission may, for the purpose of performing its functions, exercise any powers that are necessary or expedient for, or incidental to, the performance of its functions.

        (3)         The Commission must prepare a charter relating to its functions and operations.

        (4)         The Commission must provide a copy of the charter to the Minister and ensure that it is publicly available.