In recent years Australia has experienced some of the most devastating fire incidents in our nations' history, while at the same time, a systematic reduction in government funding for fire services is continuing across almost all states and territories. With this in mind, do we have the right balance between fire prevention and fire response in Australia, or should fundamental changes be considered? These are among the questions to be examined when expert members of the fire protection industry come together for a major policy debate on day two of the Fire Australia 2012 Conference & Exhibition, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, November 14-16. The debate will address the motion: ' Australian authorities spend excessive resources on anticipation of fire and fail to adequately recognize the impact and consequences of fire' . You are invited to attend this vital conversation about the future of your industry. For more information, download the full debate media release here . Further to the information provided in the September Edition of FireSignals, FPA Australia has now completed its submission regarding the regulation impact statement on the proposal for National Occupational Licensing for plumbing and gasfitting occupations. The Association holds serious concerns about elements of the proposed regulation including NOLA's exclusion of specific fire protection industry occupations in favour of a single fire protection licence and the lack restricted licences for inspect & test occupations. Given this, we strongly urge every FPA Australia member to support the recommendations outlined in the Association's submission and participate