Foreward
The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) has been serving the Victorian community for more than a century. Consistent with our role in the community, the MFB has developed a Disability Action Plan (DAP).
In doing so it has had regard to the Victorian Disability Act 2006 which provides the framework for a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to enabling people with a disability to actively participate in the life of the community.
Section 38 of the Act requires the MFB along with all public sector bodies to develop a Disability Action Plan.
The Disability Advisory Council of Victoria estimates that some 19.9 % of our population live with disabilities.
By 2051 the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) projects that around 25% of Australians will be aged 65 years or
over, compared with 12% in 1997. As there is a correlation between age and disability, the growing proportion of older Australians will see the proportion of people with disabilities increase.
The 2003 ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) defined “Disability” as any limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six months and restricts everyday activities.
Examples provided in the survey ranged from hearing loss which requires the use of a hearing aid, to difficulty dressing due to arthritis, to advanced dementia requiring constant help and supervision.
The MFB’s work on the DAP has been informed by extensive consultation with community disability groups, service providers and advocacy bodies. A number of workshops were also held with our own staff.
This Disability Action Plan was formally endorsed by the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board in June 2008.
On behalf of the MFB, we thank Susanne White from the Resolutions Group for developing and finalising the Disability Action Plan and the following individuals and organisations for their input into the plan:
- MFB staff in Community Safety, Capacity Development, Technical Services, Corporate Governance, Corporate Communications, Operations and Operations Support Directorates
- VICDEAF
- City of Stonington Disability Advisory Group
- Rodney Dale and Audrey Dropsy, Department of Human Services
- Myriad Consultants
- Sue Eddy and Brenda Boland, Department of Human Services
- Marguerita Coppolino, Felix Neighbour, Peta McCammon and Michael Uniacke, Department of Planning and Community Development
- Mark Keen, Victoria Police
- Dr Mark Glazebrook, BP Australia
- Melanie Chatfield, Sport and Recreation Victoria
- Paul Crichton, Crown Ltd.
- Anna Guglielmucci, Equal Opportunity Commission
- Peter Walsh, Municipal Association of Victoria
- Brian Tuke, Department of Premier and Cabinet
Now that the MFB has a Disability Action Plan, we will continue to work closely with disability services, our staff and representative groups to ensure that we deliver on our commitments. Our progress will be reported in the MFB’s annual report.
Ken Latta - Chief Executive and Chief Officer
Adrian Nye - President