News & Politics
Volunteer bushfire officers and regional shires in WA are concerned the threat of jail or large fines under new West Australian workplace legislation could see fewer people volunteering to fight fires in rural areas this summer. The WA Government's Work Health and Safety Bill — which introduces industrial manslaughter as a crime — passed through parliament in November last year. It is expected to come into operation in January next year. Regional shire staff, farmers and volunteer fire coordinators have flagged concerns the new workplace rules of the act could make them liable as individuals for large fines or jail time if someone is hurt or injured while volunteer fire fighting in a regional area. Matt Holland is the Acting District Officer for Carnarvon's DFES branch. Department of Fire and Emergency Services. He's recently back from spending four weeks fighting bushfires in British Colombia in Canada.