Ranger training in Western Australia

Graeme Raine

Abstract

In Western Australia Rangers have a number of responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following legislation:

• Local Government Act 1960-1982
• Dog Act 1976
• Bush Fires Act 1954-1977
• Litter Act 1979-1981
• Control of Vehicles (off Road Areas) Act 1978
• Local Authority Bye-laws which include parking control

Rangers are often the first point of contact residents have with their local authority and are also expected to be experts in the field of public relations, conflict resolution, negotiation and animal handling.

It has been of concern to the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer's Association WA, which represents Rangers, that there has traditionally been little or no formal training available for these officers. The position of Ranger has become more demanding and it is unreasonable to expect persons to possess the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties without access to recognised training courses.

One of the Association's principal aims was to have a recognised TAFE training course designed for and, where possible, delivered by experienced Rangers. In 1993 and 1994 a sub-committee comprising Association members and chaired by a curriculum consultant of the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE external studies developed two 34 hour courses, namely Municipal Enforcement A and B.

About the author

Graeme Raine

City of Nedlands

PO Box 9

Nedlands, WA, 6009

Graeme has been employed in local government for 14 years, nine of which involve animal control. He is currently employed by the City of Nedlands as Senior Ranger.

He was involved in the Curriculum Development Committees of the Certificate of Supervision First Line Management, Municipal Law Enforcement A and B Certificate 1V Statutory Investigations and Enforcement and National Animal Management Project. He currently delivers Municipal Law Enforcement A and B through the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE in Perth, Western Australia.

In conjunction with the Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA, Graeme runs three training courses per year in Litter Law Enforcement and he runs the Animal Handling course through the Metropolitan Training Service.

Graeme is a training officer for the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer's Association and has a strong interest in the provision of relevant training courses for Animal Control Officers.

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