Stakeholder Position: Government Department for Bushfire
(University Project)
(University Project)
1. Introduction:
The summer of 2019-2020 in Australia unfortunately witnessed a series of extreme bushfires that
underscored the complexity of this issue, making it a multifaceted and challenging problem.
Below are some of the key points that help define why bushfires can be considered as a complex
issue:
i. Ecological Disaster Affecting Diverse Species:
As described by the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel (DCCEEW, n.d.), bushfires are anecological disaster as the scale and extent of the damage showcases the intricatechallenges that are associated with rehabilitating and protecting ecological communities
and native species. Furthermore, the expert panel identifying 810 native animals, ecological communities, and plants that need urgent management intervention (DCCEEW, n.d.) makes the need for different recovery strategies an additional complexity.
ii. Unprecedented Scale and Severity:
The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires burning over 8million hectares of remote and urban areas, including 54 percent of what was considered World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests (DCCEEW, n.d.), adds onto the complexity of bushfires. Since a large section of the Rainforest was burnt (DCCEEW, n.d.), causingharm to 3 billion animals (WWF, n.d.), ithe complexity of rehabilitating is underscored.
iii. Government Investment in Protecting Threatened Species and Biodiversity:
More than 1,700 species of plants, animals, and ecological communities were officially enlisted as
threatened (WWF, n.d.), forcing the government to invest $200 million to aid wildlife and habitat recovery (DCCEEW, n.d.). Therefore, demonstrating the complexity of the multi-faceted approach needed to address the impact of bushfires on Australia’s biodiversity.
underscored the complexity of this issue, making it a multifaceted and challenging problem.
Below are some of the key points that help define why bushfires can be considered as a complex
issue:
i. Ecological Disaster Affecting Diverse Species:
As described by the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel (DCCEEW, n.d.), bushfires are anecological disaster as the scale and extent of the damage showcases the intricatechallenges that are associated with rehabilitating and protecting ecological communities
and native species. Furthermore, the expert panel identifying 810 native animals, ecological communities, and plants that need urgent management intervention (DCCEEW, n.d.) makes the need for different recovery strategies an additional complexity.
ii. Unprecedented Scale and Severity:
The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires burning over 8million hectares of remote and urban areas, including 54 percent of what was considered World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests (DCCEEW, n.d.), adds onto the complexity of bushfires. Since a large section of the Rainforest was burnt (DCCEEW, n.d.), causingharm to 3 billion animals (WWF, n.d.), ithe complexity of rehabilitating is underscored.
iii. Government Investment in Protecting Threatened Species and Biodiversity:
More than 1,700 species of plants, animals, and ecological communities were officially enlisted as
threatened (WWF, n.d.), forcing the government to invest $200 million to aid wildlife and habitat recovery (DCCEEW, n.d.). Therefore, demonstrating the complexity of the multi-faceted approach needed to address the impact of bushfires on Australia’s biodiversity.
2. Stakeholders:
Although there are 4 different stakeholders, including NGO (World Wide Funds-Australia (WWF)), government department (Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC)), media, and community representative groups (indigenous community groups), this paper would specifically focus on the government department.
2.1. Stance of DFES and AFAC:
DFES and AFAC play a critical role in the management of bushfires and bushfire emergencies that vary depending upon territories and states.
i. Prevention and Preparedness with Increased Community Engagement:
Fire and Emergency departments in Australia are actively involved in bushfire prevention and preparedness by reducing the fire risks through prescribed burns, firebreaks, and community education and by working alongside communities to motivate shared responsibilities in promoting disaster resilience. By supplying proficient workforce with required support and equipment, effective incident management requires highest competency planning and exercising (AFAC, 2021). This is because AFAC’s national principle is the primacy of life, along with the reduction of suffering and harm (AFAC. 2021).
ii. Response:
During bushfires, fire and emergency services are at the forefront of the response efforts, making the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), an annual fee that is paid by all property owners in Western Australia, an essential part of DFES as it helps deploy firefighters, fire and emergency vehicles, emergency services volunteers and support personnel to respond to the hazards from bushfires and structure fires. Aerial fleet, fire stations and emergency facilities are also equipped 24/7 as they remain the
operation base for volunteers and firefighters (DFES, n.d.).
iii. Research and Technology for Education and Training as well as Interagency Cooperation for Policy Development:
These services invest in research and technology to enhance bushfire management by implementing the Australian Warning System and the Fire Danger Rating System to provide consistent warning signals to communities across jurisdictions. The advancement of Spark Operational as a bushfire stimulator, with the generation of intelligence from different sources like aerial, ground, media, and remote sensing enhance predictive services capabilities and help communities understand the risk and mitigation approach (AFAC, 2021). The existing information shared amongst agencies and other stakeholders creates a decision support system to make more evidence-based decisions and drive innovation to strengthen national and international partnerships to adapt to future scenarios.
DFES and AFAC play a critical role in the management of bushfires and bushfire emergencies that vary depending upon territories and states.
i. Prevention and Preparedness with Increased Community Engagement:
Fire and Emergency departments in Australia are actively involved in bushfire prevention and preparedness by reducing the fire risks through prescribed burns, firebreaks, and community education and by working alongside communities to motivate shared responsibilities in promoting disaster resilience. By supplying proficient workforce with required support and equipment, effective incident management requires highest competency planning and exercising (AFAC, 2021). This is because AFAC’s national principle is the primacy of life, along with the reduction of suffering and harm (AFAC. 2021).
ii. Response:
During bushfires, fire and emergency services are at the forefront of the response efforts, making the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), an annual fee that is paid by all property owners in Western Australia, an essential part of DFES as it helps deploy firefighters, fire and emergency vehicles, emergency services volunteers and support personnel to respond to the hazards from bushfires and structure fires. Aerial fleet, fire stations and emergency facilities are also equipped 24/7 as they remain the
operation base for volunteers and firefighters (DFES, n.d.).
iii. Research and Technology for Education and Training as well as Interagency Cooperation for Policy Development:
These services invest in research and technology to enhance bushfire management by implementing the Australian Warning System and the Fire Danger Rating System to provide consistent warning signals to communities across jurisdictions. The advancement of Spark Operational as a bushfire stimulator, with the generation of intelligence from different sources like aerial, ground, media, and remote sensing enhance predictive services capabilities and help communities understand the risk and mitigation approach (AFAC, 2021). The existing information shared amongst agencies and other stakeholders creates a decision support system to make more evidence-based decisions and drive innovation to strengthen national and international partnerships to adapt to future scenarios.
2.2. Objectives and Goals:
The AFAC and DFES in Western Australia play a critical role in the management of bushfires and emergency services.
2.2.1. AFAC objectives and goals:
i. National Coordination:
Foster collaboration and coordination among Australian fire and emergency service authorities by developing and promoting consistent national policies, standards, and guidelines for firefighting and emergency management.
ii. Research and Innovation:
Support research and innovation to develop new technologies and best practices for bushfire management. Therefore, facilitating knowledge and best practices exchange among member organizations to enhance capability.
iii. Training and Professional Development:
Ensure firefighting personnel receive high-quality training and development for better national emergency management and disaster resilience.
2.2.2. DFES Objective and Goals:
i. Bushfire Prevention and Preparedness:
Coordinate and respond to bushfires in Western Australia via warning and resource development such as firebreaks and controlled burns.
ii. Community Engagement for Recovery and Support:
Engage with communities to inform and prepare them for bushfires. As a result, minimizing the impact by providing mental health support and disaster relief.
iii. Research and Technology for Environmental Protection and Climate Adaptation:
Invest in research and technology to enhance bushfire management and response by developing strategies for climate adaptation and rehabilitation of affected areas.
2.2.1. AFAC objectives and goals:
i. National Coordination:
Foster collaboration and coordination among Australian fire and emergency service authorities by developing and promoting consistent national policies, standards, and guidelines for firefighting and emergency management.
ii. Research and Innovation:
Support research and innovation to develop new technologies and best practices for bushfire management. Therefore, facilitating knowledge and best practices exchange among member organizations to enhance capability.
iii. Training and Professional Development:
Ensure firefighting personnel receive high-quality training and development for better national emergency management and disaster resilience.
2.2.2. DFES Objective and Goals:
i. Bushfire Prevention and Preparedness:
Coordinate and respond to bushfires in Western Australia via warning and resource development such as firebreaks and controlled burns.
ii. Community Engagement for Recovery and Support:
Engage with communities to inform and prepare them for bushfires. As a result, minimizing the impact by providing mental health support and disaster relief.
iii. Research and Technology for Environmental Protection and Climate Adaptation:
Invest in research and technology to enhance bushfire management and response by developing strategies for climate adaptation and rehabilitation of affected areas.
2.3. Tactics:
AFAC and DFES employ a range of tactics and communication strategies to effectively communicate information about bushfires to the public:
i. Emergency Warnings and Alerts via Official Notifications and Text Messages (SMS):
AFAC and DFES issue official emergency warnings and alerts via various channels like DFES Facebook, emergency WA website, local ABC radio, and 6PR (in the metropolitan areas). In addition to the helpline (13 33 37), residents can also download ServiceWA app to get timely notification of the location, severity, and potential impact of bushfires (DFES, n.d.). This aligns with Sujoko et al. (2023) analysis that radio programs characterized as interactive and freeing promote public interest discourse, making it an ideal public sphere. This also seems to be true for all social media platforms (Staab et al., 2022).
ii. Public Awareness and Education:
Conducting public awareness campaigns such as the 2020-2021 ‘How Fireproof is Your Plan?’ campaign that was circulated on YouTube (NSW Rural Fire Service, 2020) helped educate the public regarding bushfire preparedness and safety measures. This involved the community in a larger debate, providing answers to questions and fostering community resilience. This tactic aligned
well with Habermas’ theory which stated that rational political decision in a public sphere is required for actual change to occur (Habermas, 1964). In addition to social media platforms, mobile applications, websites, and media releases also help keep the press and the public informed about bushfire developments, containment efforts, and safety precautions, promoting further discussion in a
“successful” public sphere.
iii. Community-Specific Communication:
Providing information in multiple languages and ensuring that relevant information is accessible to individuals with disabilities by accommodating diverse communication needs help build a global communication network amongst people from all around the world (Castells, 2008).
iv. Coordination and Collaboration with Local Authorities and Meteorological Services:
Holding joint press conferences and sharing vital information by collaborating with local authorities to ensure a coordinated approach to bushfire communication. Additionally, partnering with meteorological agencies to provide accurate forecasts to understand fire behavior and planning responses. With such information, training sessions can be conducted for emergency services personnel and communities to ensure well-prepared communication during bushfire events.
2.4. Resource Availability:
2.4.1. Human Capital:
Skilled firefighters alongside volunteer networks: A well-trained and equipped firefighting workforce that include firefighters, incident commanders, and emergency responders is essential human capital. Additionally, volunteer firefighters are a valuable human resource since their dedication and training become critical for augmenting the professional firefighting workforce.
2.4.2. Symbolic Capital:
i. Emergency Warnings and Alerts via Official Notifications and Text Messages (SMS):
AFAC and DFES issue official emergency warnings and alerts via various channels like DFES Facebook, emergency WA website, local ABC radio, and 6PR (in the metropolitan areas). In addition to the helpline (13 33 37), residents can also download ServiceWA app to get timely notification of the location, severity, and potential impact of bushfires (DFES, n.d.). This aligns with Sujoko et al. (2023) analysis that radio programs characterized as interactive and freeing promote public interest discourse, making it an ideal public sphere. This also seems to be true for all social media platforms (Staab et al., 2022).
ii. Public Awareness and Education:
Conducting public awareness campaigns such as the 2020-2021 ‘How Fireproof is Your Plan?’ campaign that was circulated on YouTube (NSW Rural Fire Service, 2020) helped educate the public regarding bushfire preparedness and safety measures. This involved the community in a larger debate, providing answers to questions and fostering community resilience. This tactic aligned
well with Habermas’ theory which stated that rational political decision in a public sphere is required for actual change to occur (Habermas, 1964). In addition to social media platforms, mobile applications, websites, and media releases also help keep the press and the public informed about bushfire developments, containment efforts, and safety precautions, promoting further discussion in a
“successful” public sphere.
iii. Community-Specific Communication:
Providing information in multiple languages and ensuring that relevant information is accessible to individuals with disabilities by accommodating diverse communication needs help build a global communication network amongst people from all around the world (Castells, 2008).
iv. Coordination and Collaboration with Local Authorities and Meteorological Services:
Holding joint press conferences and sharing vital information by collaborating with local authorities to ensure a coordinated approach to bushfire communication. Additionally, partnering with meteorological agencies to provide accurate forecasts to understand fire behavior and planning responses. With such information, training sessions can be conducted for emergency services personnel and communities to ensure well-prepared communication during bushfire events.
2.4. Resource Availability:
2.4.1. Human Capital:
Skilled firefighters alongside volunteer networks: A well-trained and equipped firefighting workforce that include firefighters, incident commanders, and emergency responders is essential human capital. Additionally, volunteer firefighters are a valuable human resource since their dedication and training become critical for augmenting the professional firefighting workforce.
2.4.2. Symbolic Capital:
Public awareness and trust via media and communication: Public trust in the competency and transparency of firefighting and emergency agencies is crucial for effective communication as it helps built trust, encouraging adherence to safety guidelines.
2.4.3. Social Capital:
2.4.3. Social Capital:
Community network and engagement: Strong social networks within communities’ help enhance preparedness and response by allowing neighbors and community organizations to provide support by sharing accurate information to foster trust and cooperation. This social capital becomes vital for the dissemination of information, coordinating evacuations, and rallying support during and after bushfires as it aligns with Kant’s Structural Transformation which states that practical reasoning is required for conducting reasoned discourse (Calhoun, 1992).
2.4.4. Financial Capital:
2.4.4. Financial Capital:
Government funding and emergency budget: The Australian Government has allocated $1 billion for the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) over five years in case of any natural hazards caused by climate change (National Emergency Management Agency, n.d.). Apart from DRF, ESL is also paid by all property owners in Western Australia for equipping fire and emergency services with necessary technology, equipment, and personnel.
2.5. Target Audience:
2.5. Target Audience:
Table 1: Target Audience for AFAC and DFES respectively
2.6. Strategic Alliances with Other Stakeholders:
2.6.1. World Wild Fund (WWF):
AFAC and DFES forge strategic alliances with WWF to strengthen environmental conservation efforts in bushfire management by incorporating WWF’s expertise in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
2.6.1. World Wild Fund (WWF):
AFAC and DFES forge strategic alliances with WWF to strengthen environmental conservation efforts in bushfire management by incorporating WWF’s expertise in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
Therefore, minimizing the environmental impact of bushfires and enhancing long-term resilience. Together, they restore habitats, support native wildlife, and develop sustainable land management practices.
2.6.2. Media Outlets:
Since effective communication is a cornerstone of bushfire management, AFAC and DFES maintain strategic alliances with various media outlets like television, newspaper, radio, and digital platforms to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information. These include crucial updates, media releases, and interviews to foster public awareness, trust, and compliance.
2.6.3. Indigenous Communities:
Recognizing the cultural and environmental knowledge held by indigenous people, this alliance involves mutual respect and collaboration to incorporate traditional land management practices into bushfire mitigation strategies. This collaboration further helps preserve the unique ecological and cultural heritage of Australia by promoting reconciliation and strengthening resilience in shaping
bushfire management practices.
2.7. Success and Failure in Presenting and Advancing the Case:
Combining the knowledge gained by the environmental organizations, government agencies, media outlets, and Indigenous communities, AFAC and DFES came up with a “My Bushfire Plan” that acts as a preparedness tool, providing residents with one platform to prepare, store, print, share, and update their bushfire plan from any device, depending on the Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) issued daily, describing the potential level of danger (DFES, n.d.). Since one can share their plans with their peers, the plan aligns perfectly with Habermas's (1991) ideology regarding public domain, that state that individuals forming a public can benefit a wider section of the community with effective political debates.
Moreover, the long-term goal of AFAC is to enhance national bushfire management through improved collaboration, advanced DFR systems, public awareness, and reduced fire impacts (AFAC Conference, 2022). AFAC and DFES face certain limitations due to varying fire risks caused by Australia’s geographic diversity and climate change.
Additionally, political, and bureaucratic hurdles can also influence decision-making and resource allocation which may not always align with the best interest of the bushfire management, causing issues for AFAC and DFES.
2.6.2. Media Outlets:
Since effective communication is a cornerstone of bushfire management, AFAC and DFES maintain strategic alliances with various media outlets like television, newspaper, radio, and digital platforms to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information. These include crucial updates, media releases, and interviews to foster public awareness, trust, and compliance.
2.6.3. Indigenous Communities:
Recognizing the cultural and environmental knowledge held by indigenous people, this alliance involves mutual respect and collaboration to incorporate traditional land management practices into bushfire mitigation strategies. This collaboration further helps preserve the unique ecological and cultural heritage of Australia by promoting reconciliation and strengthening resilience in shaping
bushfire management practices.
2.7. Success and Failure in Presenting and Advancing the Case:
Combining the knowledge gained by the environmental organizations, government agencies, media outlets, and Indigenous communities, AFAC and DFES came up with a “My Bushfire Plan” that acts as a preparedness tool, providing residents with one platform to prepare, store, print, share, and update their bushfire plan from any device, depending on the Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) issued daily, describing the potential level of danger (DFES, n.d.). Since one can share their plans with their peers, the plan aligns perfectly with Habermas's (1991) ideology regarding public domain, that state that individuals forming a public can benefit a wider section of the community with effective political debates.
Moreover, the long-term goal of AFAC is to enhance national bushfire management through improved collaboration, advanced DFR systems, public awareness, and reduced fire impacts (AFAC Conference, 2022). AFAC and DFES face certain limitations due to varying fire risks caused by Australia’s geographic diversity and climate change.
Additionally, political, and bureaucratic hurdles can also influence decision-making and resource allocation which may not always align with the best interest of the bushfire management, causing issues for AFAC and DFES.
3. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the complexity of bushfire management in Australia is evident, marked by ecological disasters affecting diverse species, unprecedented severity and scale, and substantial government investments in protecting biodiversity. Among the stakeholders analyzed, the government department, represented by AFAC and DFES, plays a pivotal role in prevention, response, and research, employing various tactics for effective communication in a successful public sphere. These agencies rely on diverse capital resources and have forged strategies alliances with media outlets, WWF, and indigenous communities to enhance bushfire management. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist, including budget limitation and political influences. Despite these hurdles, AFAC and DFES are dedicated to improving collaboration and reducing the impact of bushfires on Australia’s communities and environment.
4. Conclusion:
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