Volunteer firefighters open up about suspensions and gagging orders stopping them from speaking out about CFS issues

CFS volunteers across the state are expected to risk their lives for their communities, but fear they’ll be suspended if they talk about the issues they face.

CFS Brigades across the state say they are being threatened with suspension if they speak out about issues in the organisation. Picture: Upper Sturt CFS

Regional volunteer firefighters say they are expected to risk their lives for their local communities but face the threat of suspension if they speak out about the challenges and lack of support from the CFS.

Volunteers across the state are anxiously awaiting the beginning of what is predicted to be one of the worst fire danger seasons in years, but they say they face suspension if they speak out about challenges not being addressed by the CFS.

One CFS volunteer, who asked to remain anonymous to protect their position, said they had already been “dragged through hot coals” for speaking to the media.

“We had an issue, a real issue, with our equipment, and the CFS were aware and did nothing about it,” they said.

“We went to our local MP, we asked the CFS to fix it and nothing changed.

“When we decided enough was enough, I went to the media, and then I wasn’t even allowed to speak to my fellow volunteers, let alone speak about the CFS to anyone else.”

The volunteer was issued with what’s known among members as a “Reg 21” – a suspension letter barring members from their brigades, and gagging them from speaking about any allegations against them.

Section 21 (1b) of the Fire and Emergency Services Regulations 2021 states that a member of a SACFS organisation who, “in the performance of official duties or otherwise, behaves in a manner that reflects or is likely to reflect adversely on SACFS, is liable to disciplinary action”.

The volunteer received a letter from the CFS, seen by The Advertiser, saying they would be investigating allegations he had shared information on social media and spoken to media outlets, and was suspended “as a result”.

“It caused me and my family so much stress. I was threatened with criminal proceedings and made to stand down from my position.

“We had been fighting with the CFS for the right equipment for months before I said anything publicly, with little to no response. But as soon as I spoke out, I was instantly silenced.”

CFS brigades say they fear suspension if they talk about the struggles they’re facing publicly. Picture: Morgan Sette

The letter sent to a CFS volunteer who spoke up about issues in their station. Picture: Supplied.

The volunteer said that after three months of silence from the CFS, they were told they could come back and resume their position, “as if nothing had happened”.

Members from a brigade in the state’s southeast invited The Advertiser to their station to hear their concerns, but said the invitation sparked a warning from CFS headquarters that speaking out could result in suspension.

“They called and said that if we spoke to the media, they would suspend us under section 21, which means we’d be kicked out of the CFS,” one member said.

Volunteers from the Hynam and Naracoorte brigades, about 340km southeast of Adelaide, told The Advertiser they had asked the CFS for upgrades to their station and a new truck, but no action had been taken.

“We’ve been asking for another truck for months, and we’ve been needing a new station for years,” a volunteer from Hynam, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.

“We have a new member, but can’t even get him a uniform kit so he can go out on jobs. All our stuff is outdated.”

The Hynam CFS Station, where members have asked for upgrades to the facilities and new uniforms. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Adrian Packer, a member of the Mundulla CFS Brigade, said he knew of a “very experienced” group officer who had been suspended with orders not to contact anyone in the station in March but was yet to receive any allegations.

“They’re spending more of their energy slamming us volunteers than actually fixing the problems,” Mr Packer said.

After speaking to several brigades across the state, The Advertiser understands there are multiple volunteers who have been subjected to the “Reg 21” suspensions, some of who are yet to receive the allegations against them.

Kangaroo Island Mayor and former chairman of the South Australian Country Fire Service board Michael Pengilly said the threatening tactics used by the CFS were unacceptable.

“I think that kind of action is beneath the CFS,” he said.

“Threatening volunteers for speaking out about these kind of issues is just really not okay.”

He said he wasn’t surprised by the actions taken by the CFS.

“Why isn’t the Minister defending volunteers?” he said.

Members from several regional brigades said they were also dealing with the added fear of “disciplinary action” from the CFS after members received letters of suspension for speaking out about their issues.

A spokesperson from the CFS said the organisation “wasn’t aware of and does not condone any direction that would request volunteers no to speak out about safety, health and wellbeing”.

“The CFS has always welcomed and encourages open communication with and from our volunteers,” the spokesperson said.

“As with other government organisations, the CFS has procedures for engaging with the media.

“CFS prioritises its annual capital programs based on key principles and risk assessments, the top two being safety and service delivery.

“Due to the nature of the capital program and the external factors which influence the outcomes, the allocation of the capital funds is subject to change and undergoes continual management and review.

“Facility and appliance replacement programs are undertaken within the existing funding limits.”

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said he valued the frankness of CFS volunteers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said he had “frank and candid conversations with CFS volunteers around the state” while at Country Cabinet this week.

“I value them welcoming me, their frankness, and their community service,” he said.

“Our Government strongly supports CFS volunteers around SA who do incredible work to keep South Australians safe.

“Over the next four years $12 million is forecast to be invested into station upgrades and builds, and to ensure volunteers have the tools they need to keep each other and South Australians safe.”

Originally published as Volunteer firefighters open up about suspensions and gagging orders stopping them from speaking out about CFS issues