To achieve this a reliable communication is vital. In the 1970s my brigade developed a successful response system which included valuable information from the pilot fire spotting tower, radio listening sets and a CB radio network. Development of a crew roster system and good communication secured a reliable response time of less than 5 minutes. The aim to hit any outbreak quickly and hard prevented disasters such as 2019/20. Training was an important element.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Roadside hazard reduction provided members with a realistic experience of fire, dealing with smoke, heat and use of equipment and water. The CFAs minimum skills type training is unrealistic and gives a false sense of security. Equipment design is also important. The CFA 'super tankers' are not suitable for rural or forest application and most brigades (and land owners) have smaller units suitable for initial attacks.

Hazard reduction on private property, roadsides and state parks has been restricted by state and local government controls and must be seriously questioned. The general public and local government should be aware that the problem is not just seasonal conditions (climate change) but serious executive mistakes.

I am concerned about the spiralling government debt by all forms of government. Yes, presently the interest rates are at historically low level but this will not last forever. Governments need to be mindful of the debt level and look at ways of reducing the debt.

The worrying part to me is we are not investing this increase in debt in projects which are beneficial to the long-term viability of the nation. Just remember our children and grandchildren will be saddled with this debt and will have to make hard decisions which the present governments are not willing or have the courage to do.

Marketing values looking shabby after Morrison backs the wrong horse in the US election. Scott Morrison will be busy doing some strategic back-pedalling to wipe the vivid image of the Australian prime minister and leading business figures and coalition supporters shaking the oat bucket in front of the wrong horse in the race for the White House. Scott Morrison's recent talk of shared values with Donald Trump who aligned himself more closely with autocrats than democratic leaders will be a burr under the saddle of his credibility as he now claims equal support for Joe Biden .

The outstanding speeches of the president elect and his Vice President referencing respect for science, justice, compassion and truth stand in contrast to the triumphalism of the Trump regime, and its appeal to the politics of power and division.

Perhaps the values of the new America are best described by Biden's phrase ringing like the liberty bell even over the clangers of the compromised Australian political landscape

"Not the example of our power but the power of our example ."