A message from Dane to FBEU Members
I’m Dane Wilmott, and I want to provide some more information about who I am.
I’m a second generation firefighter with FRNSW.
I am running for the position of State Secretary in our upcoming FBEU elections. Firefighting is in my blood and I am proud to follow in my family’s footsteps by working in this industry.
The team that I lead has the balanced mix of unmatched experience in Jim Casey, former FBEU state secretary from 2009 to 2016 and SCOM Vp from 2006 to 2009 and the fresh perspective and energy that I bring. Backing us up is Travis Broadhurst, SCOM Vp from 2006 to 2012 and Ben Buckingham former SCOM Sydney outer west sub branch secretary. This team has the skills and wisdom needed to deliver the best possible outcomes for you, the firefighters, on the frontline of Emergency Services in NSW.
I am passionate about, and committed to, delivering wages and conditions that are fair and decent in response to the unprecedented cost of living pressures we all face currently. My experience working with the CFMEU in the building and construction industry as a company delegate for enterprise bargaining agreements, has equipped me with the skills needed to negotiate effectively on your behalf.
If you elect my team we will work hard to prevent any further erosions to your standard of living, by delivering fair awards on time and maintain the conditions that you members have already fought hard for and won.
This will be achieved through skilful negotiations that start ahead of schedule allowing all parties the opportunity to present their case in full and for proper dialogue to take place. Should negotiations break down, we seek a mandate to call for strong Industrial action to commence immediately in order to bring the parties to the table.
As a HSR in ME1 and a relieving firefighter, I have had the opportunity to speak with many crews both in the GSA and regionally. From this experience I have a solid understanding the OH&S issues and the risks faced working in our industry.
I have also held positions in site safety management teams during my time in the building and construction industry. Safe working conditions have always been a key concern of my working life.
My team and I intend to eradicate inappropriate use of our Union’s funds, first seeking to conduct a full audit of our Union’s financial records over the last 6 years . Our goal is to establish transparent systems that publish all the financial statements in full and also to publish voting results by numbers, not percentages, on all motions put to the membership.
My team and I will hold our SCOM to account by honouring our Union’s rules and delivering plebiscites if requested by the membership, subsequent to the rules in relation to them.
We are seeking the endorsement of SCOM and the membership to improve communication channels and member engagement by establishing the following :
•E voting within 12 months.
• Introduce live streaming of all General and Special General meetings, which will be held at easily accessible locations, so all members can hear the debates and vote from a more informed position.
•Establish an FBEU app and intranet
•Re establish the FBEU forum
•Reform our SCOM and delegate structure to provide more efficient and effective channels to send information up and down the chain and streamline SCOM meetings.
We will maintain the strength of our Union by connecting with firefighters through stations visits, so we can hear directly from you, the membership. By strengthening our online presence, members will be able to communicate more directly and monthly sub branch meetings on Zoom will enable all members in that branch to attend and have their voices heard.
Our focus is on the prevention of hazards such as cancer, by promoting safe work systems and practices, to keep our members safe. Our team wants a BA and helmet specific washing machine at every station and for crews to remain offline after an incident, until a full decontamination of personnel and gear has been conducted. With the focus on prevention being better than cure, I want to assure members that we will continue to fight for parity with other states to include more cancers on the list in the Presumptive Legislation Framework. We will also seek to finally resolve the diesel particulate in engine bays debacle. Not only are we concerned with your physical safety, we will continue to support members by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, to help prevent mental health issues and PTSD.
A vote for the Wilmott/Casey 24 team, is a positive investment in your future.
Wilmott-Casey 24 