Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland released

The in depth analysis of RFSQ/QFD starts on page 46:

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5825t1274/5825t1274.pdf

"Committee comment

It is no secret that relations between Rural Fire Service Queensland volunteers and the Queensland Fire Department (formerly Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) have historically been strained.

However, the committee was disappointed by the level of distrust and animosity that appears to continue within this relationship.

The highest level of interest in this inquiry came from disgruntled RFSQ members and former members who collectively provided the committee with significant detailed concerns about their experiences, challenges and the barriers that they face in their efforts to protect 93% of Queensland’s landmass from fires.

The level of disrespect and disfunction that RFSQ volunteers described as being part of their standard operating environment was concerning.

While Queensland Fire Department representatives sought to portray to the committee that its relationships with RFSQ volunteers are improving due to recent reforms, it would appear difficult to find any RFSQ submitters who would agree with that sentiment.

The committee heard the following consistent views from RFSQ stakeholders:

• the ‘Blue Card requirement’ has been a significant failure and the manner in which it was introduced contributed to several thousand volunteers leaving RFSQ
• prospective volunteers should be welcomed and provided with introductory training while their applications are being processed
• general bureaucratic delays by the Queensland Fire Department are unacceptable and hinder RFSQ’s abilities to undertake their functions
• the Queensland Fire Department have failed to facilitate approvals and construction of certain local brigade infrastructure in a timely manner
• the construction options of local brigade infrastructure should return to the control of individual brigades
• problems associated with the recent take-over of brigade finances and assets by the Queensland Fire Department need to be resolved as soon as is practical
• local brigades and their volunteers need to be better consulted, especially about significant issues such as firefighting equipment and ongoing safety concerns
• straining and accreditation options and systems need significant improvement, and
• the lack of respect that volunteers and brigades state that they experience from paid departmental staff needs to end.

Recommendation 3

That the Queensland Government urgently consider and implement changes to the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) to address cultural and organisational issues surrounding volunteers.

This includes but is not limited to:

• investigating ways to improve the application process and onboarding system for prospective RFSQ volunteers
• empowering local brigades with regard to training for their volunteer applicants
• standardising recognition of obtainable accreditation that could be transferable to other education outcomes, where possible
• improving the training systems for volunteers, including recognition of relevant prior service, skills and experience
• returning options for the delivery of brigade infrastructure to local brigades where local brigades seek to do so
• encouraging local input and knowledge in disaster events
• adaptive consultation processes and local decision making to better reflect and address the evolving demands and experiences of RFSQ volunteers whilst working towards stronger retention rates through volunteer satisfaction."