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I am pleased to announce the CFA Operational Training Discussion Paper which calls for feedback from members to help shape their training in the future.

CFA's training program is a vital part of our organisation and supports us to achieve our mission of protecting lives and property.

A number of recent reviews have highlighted issues and training needs within CFA. In particular, the 2011 Report of Inquiry into effect of arrangements made by the Country Fire Authority on its Volunteers by His Honour David Jones outlined 21 recommendations about leadership development, training strategy, and delivery. As part of our planned response, we are working towards the development of a new state-wide CFA Operational Training Strategy in 2012.

As an important first step towards this strategy, it is essential that we engage with and invite feedback from our members. This Discussion Paper seeks the views of our Volunteers and Staff on the training they need, along with where and how training can be best delivered.

The Paper will be released for a three month window and sent to every CFA Brigade and CFA Group, representation bodies, other emergency service agencies, etc. An accompanying DVD featuring a number of CFA leaders, including the Chief Officer, Executive Manager Training Delivery, Manager Training Development and myself, provides perspectives on the importance of different themes contained within the Discussion Paper.

What would you like to see for training in the future? This Discussion Paper puts forward six key themes which we see as important. These include re-affirming the role of the Chief Officer and his team in setting training priorities, building improved consistency and quality of training, supporting CFA's many leaders, improving our use of training facilities, and ensuring that we listen to our members when making training decisions. A focus on the development of team skills, greater flexibility in how and when training is undertaken, multi-agency training arrangements and supporting the implementation of the Mission Command philosophy are also important.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Executive Manager Training Development James Stitz, for his ongoing leadership on this important work, and to thank the members of our active Project Reference Group who have helped to shape the Discussion Paper.

At the end of the Paper there is a template to help provide responses. You can find out more, by downloading a copy of the Discussion Paper, or by watching the videos at Brigades Online.

I encourage Members to take some time to read through the Discussion Paper, watch the accompanying DVD and provide input on operational training for the future.

Your voice is important and will influence the future of our great organisation.

Feedback is sought by 7 September.