Government response to the Independent review of an incident involving Queensland Fire and Emergency Services employees

Message from the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Katarina Carroll

Independent review of an incident involving Queensland Fire and Emergency Services employees

As you may be aware, the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and the Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Jo-Ann Miller MP, has made an announcement in relation to the response to the ‘Independent review of an incident involving Queensland Fire and Emergency Services employees’.

The review handed down by Ms Margaret Allison made 30 recommendations and found that QFES and PSBA failed to respond effectively to the complaint of sexual harassment in the particular incident. It also identified systemic organisational problems within QFES that limited the organisation’s ability to respond appropriately and effectively to such matters generally.

The government has announced that all recommendations in the report are accepted; subject to consultation on implementation arrangements with relevant stakeholders and that this work will continue under the auspice of an Implementation Committee, to be chaired by an independent person.

A review of the structure and functions of the PSBA is also underway and I encourage you all to have your say in this process. Some of the recommendations from the review directly relate to the functions of the PSBA and will be considered in light of the outcome of that review.

View further information about this review.

On top of the recent survey, an incredible amount of work has already been undertaken in response to the Allison review with the establishment of the QFES Cultural Improvement Implementation Project (CIIP), to lead the implementation of some recommendations and to support my vision for a progressive, efficient and inclusive organisation. Since March 2015, 16 of the recommendations have been either actioned and are now ready for final review by the independent committee; or have significant progress toward closure underway.

Some of the actions to date include:

• A QFES Harassment Information Line (07 3635 3672) has been established providing confidential services to all QFES personnel. I encourage you to call this number if you have concerns or alternately you can contact your manager. An interim harassment advisory network has also been established.
• A number of new policies and systems have been developed that will be reviewed by the Implementation Committee to confirm their effectiveness in addressing sexual harassment including:
  • New complaints management frameworks and supporting policies to help staff and managers ensure QFES workplaces are free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Training and education material has been remodelled to focus on appropriate behaviour, targeted toward preventing harassment and supporting staff to make complaints. The first phase of Workplace Behaviour Training has commenced and is being rolled out across the State.

A number of actions will be referred to the Implementation committee for their review including the management of harassment and bullying complaints, operational governance, training and development, ethics and conduct and the QFES working environment.

Some work has already commenced in relation to the areas of Legislation, review of other complaints, organisational governance matters involving PSBA and QFES, management of harassment and bullying allegations, and recruitment and selection. Further consideration and consultation will be undertaken in relation to these areas.

As your Commissioner I am constantly impressed with the people who make-up QFES, the jobs that you all do and the resources that are available.

The future for QFES is bright and I am committed to continuing to keep you informed about the progress in this area.