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Tasmania Fire Service > State Fire Commission

State Fire Commission

Established under the Fire Service Act 1979, the State Fire Commission is the peak governing and policy group for Tasmania Fire Service.

Some of the functions and powers of the Commission include:

  • formulation of policy in the administration and operations of the Fire Service
  • development and communication of a state fire protection plan
  • to coordinate and direct the development of all fire services throughout the state
  • conduct investigations into fires, and prepare reports and recommendations to the Minister
  • development of effective fire prevention and protection measures throughout the state
  • the provision and standardisation of fire brigade equipment throughout the state
  • the establishment and maintenance training facilities for brigades
  • to advise the Minister on any issues as appropriate

The members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor and comprise:

  • an Independent Chair
  • the Chief Officer of the Tasmania Fire Service
  • a person nominated by the United Firefighters Union (Tasmanian Branch)
  • a person nominated by the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association
  • a person nominated by the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association
  • a person nominated by the Department responsible for the Financial Management Act 2016
  • two people nominated by the Local Government Association of Tasmania

 

 

Call for Expression of Interest – Chairperson of the State Fire Commission

The Tasmanian Government is seeking applications from individuals interested in the position of independent Chairperson of the State Fire Commission (the Commission).

The Commission is an independently chaired body established under Section 7 of the Fire Service Act 1979.

The Commission’s primary purpose is to minimise the social, economic, and environmental impact of fire and other emergencies on the Tasmanian community which is achieved through implementing strategies for the Tasmania Fire Service that develop resilience to prevent and prepare for emergencies.

The Commission is also responsible for:

  • Managing incidents involving hazardous materials, including response to terrorist incidents involving chemical, biological and radiological agents.
  • Road crash rescue (in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Triabunna and surrounding areas).
  • Providing an Urban Search and Rescue capability to manage the rescue of people from collapsed buildings and structures.
  • A range of community fire safety programs that guard against structural fire and bushfire.
  • Fire investigations; and
  • Co-ordinating Fuel Reduction Program activities on behalf of the Government.

The Chair is the public advocate for the Commission, with support provided by the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner. The Chair’s role and responsibilities include:

  • being the first point of contact and the ‘public voice’ of the Commission including representation in the media;
  • focusing the Commission on achieving its functions;
  • reporting to the Minister on the activities of the SFC;
  • undertaking public duties on behalf of the SFC;
  • leading SFC meetings;
  • undertaking consultation or briefings as required on behalf of the SFC; and
  • providing advice to the Minister.

Additionally, the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management is seeking a candidate to oversee the transition to the State Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SFESC) under the proposed Tasmania Fire and Emergency Service (TFES) reforms. The successful candidate will be nominated by the Minister and appointed by the Governor-in-Council.

The appointment will be for three years and remunerated at a rate of $35,000 per annum, recognising responsibilities incumbent upon the Chair. In addition, allowances will be paid by way of reimbursement of reasonable, actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conducting the business of the Commission.

Submissions are encouraged from suitably qualified individuals with skills, knowledge and experience in relevant fields, as well as demonstrated experience in leadership and governance.

Applicants must provide a statement that outlines their suitability for the role and a copy of their current curriculum vitae.

The successful applicant must hold a current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People or be able to apply.

Further information regarding the role can be obtained from the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Fire and Emergency Management, Ross Hinkley at 6173 2207 or via email at DepSecretary@dpfem.tas.gov.au.  Applicants must be submitted to the State Fire Commission, GPO Box 308 Hobart, 7001 or email sfc@fire.tas.gov.au by 5pm on Monday, 13 October 2025.

 

 

 

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