Please see email from Billy Boyle below. Please reply email Yes or No to the survey request for SAFSRA support and let me know of any concerns.

Speaking with Billy, the survey will ask generic questions around reoccurring problems with the retirement process but not personal details.  Members will be directed to email or speak with Billy so he can gather more specific information and build a presentation to make to the MFS.

Regards Chris

Good afternoon Chris I hope you’re well
 As you would be aware a large number of SAMFS personnel have retired in recent years, unfortunately many of these retirements (including my own) have not been smooth. Station Officer Glen Cook and I tried unsuccessfully in 2020 to improve the retirement process, we were stonewalled by the fourth floor.

Recently one of my former colleagues from Elizabeth retired on December 4th 2022, his superannuation has still not been processed and his savings are diminishing quickly. This is a disgraceful situation and I feel it is time to get SAMFS management to change the process, it’s not that hard. My intention is to instigate a survey/ research conversation in the hope of getting a response from management. Below is a letter which I am happy for you to critique before we inform our members via email and Facebook. 

Cheers Billy 
Dear SAFSRA members in recent years the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service has experienced many retirements of their personnel. On behalf of the retirees association I would like to initiate a survey of the membership and see if there are any suggestions that could improve the retirement process .

With more SAMFS members due to retire in the near future our ambition is to ensure that their transition to retirement is made as smooth as possible. 

It should be noted that working in the fire service is very unique, and that retiring should be a celebration not a trauma. There are quite a few serving members of SAMFS who have joined SAFSRA, this is very important. These members could have some concerns about retiring, hopefully they will feel comfortable enough to ask questions. It is also important to acknowledge that many people have retired after a distinguished career and can contribute positively to the conversation.

The concept of the survey is not to promote financial advice or name/ shame people who have not been able to solve problems that have arisen, the intention is to prevent problems from occurring.

Cheers Billy Boyle 0417857769