In October 2022, the Queensland Government announced an enhanced investment in fire and emergency services capabilities to ensure Queensland’s committed frontline officers, staff and volunteers are best positioned to respond to emergency situations.
The changes follow recommendations from an independent review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) that examined the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of QFES and its associated volunteer entities.
Based on the recommendations from the review, the reforms will adopt an ‘all hazards’ approach to align with the evolving way we need to respond to disasters in response to climate change.
The reforms are an opportunity to simplify and modernise emergency services operational structures and focus resources, resulting in:
Improved prevention and preparedness
Single agency co-ordination, and
Increased support and resources.
The reforms will see the establishment of a new Queensland Fire Department (QFD) focussed on continuing to deliver world-class fire and rescue services to the people of Queensland.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will be expanded to include disaster management functions, marine rescue activities in the soon-to-be-established Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), and the State Emergency Service (SES).
The reforms will also include an increased investment in resources for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). Additional funding and 30 extra FTE positions will support further disaster preparedness programs and initiatives, improving resilience across our state.
No changes will occur prior to 1 July 2023 and the transition will be finalised prior to 1 July 2024.
We want to minimise disruption to any disaster management and emergency services activities during the reform period. There will be no degradation of services.
To oversee these critical reforms, the Government has authorised and funded the stand up of a team of experts from across emergency services agencies to form a Reform Implementation Taskforce.
The Taskforce is being headed by current State Disaster Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy. These reforms are part of a broader reform program led by the Special Coordinator Police and Emergency Service Reform Program Steve Gollschewski.
The Taskforce is working closely with all stakeholders across state and local governments to ensure the changes will be undertaken in a measured, consistent, and cohesive way.
Disaster management functions will gain 80 positions and up to $20 million in recurrent funding.
Beginning in the 2023/24 financial year, the State Emergency Service (SES) will receive an operational annual budget of $60 million, including funding for personnel, crucial safety equipment, vehicles and vessels to focus on supporting the frontline. SES will also receive an additional 45 operational staff to focus on regional support as part of the SES Uplift Program.
Marine Rescue Queensland will receive 35 positions and up to $27 million for frontline support, resources, vessels and equipment.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority will receive $4 million in additional funding for an extra 30 full time equivalent (FTE) positions.
Rural Fire Service will gain an extra 114 FTE positions and more funding for appliances, facilities and equipment.
Fire and Rescue Service will receive an additional 143 firefighter positions.
Yes. Scoping work is in very early stages to ensure the below SLAs are captured and transferred:
Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland Training Program
Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland Search and Rescue
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
Surf Life Saving Queensland
Royal Life Saving Society Queensland
PCYC Welfare Emergency Services Cadets
You’ll hear about what the Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT) is working on through your existing communications channels, via emails, through your management and leadership teams and in direct engagements with Deputy Commissioner Chelepy and the Special Coordinator, Stephan Gollschewski.
We also encourage you to check this page regularly for updates.
Volunteers will continue to be able to volunteer within their community as they choose.
Training will be reviewed in consultation with volunteers throughout the state and with QPS People Capability and Command to explore options and streamline approaches.
TAMS will remain the tasking system for SES during transition process
