The Queensland Government is undertaking a reform program to address the function and structure, culture, efficiency and funding and sustainability of our disaster and emergency services.
The reforms will see an uplift of almost 500 full-time emergency services personnel, while dedicated budgets will boost resourcing across Queensland, ensuring we can continue to support Queenslanders when they need it most.
As disasters evolve, so too should the way we prepare, prevent, respond to, and recover from them.
In July 2021, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and its associated volunteer services. The goal of the review was to ensure the long-term sustainability of emergency services delivery for Queenslanders. This included assessing the existing scope, functions and suitability of the QFES structure and its funding arrangements.
Multiple recommendations made by the review have been accepted in principle by the Government and address function and structure, culture, efficiency and funding and sustainability.
With Queensland experiencing more natural disasters than any other state in the country, the Disaster Management Arrangements in our state have become extremely robust through activation, exercise and lessons management.
However, we must be responsive to ensure you, as our state’s emergency service providers, are equipped with the resources and organisational structures you need to keep Queenslanders safe in times of disaster, now and in the future.
The reforms will uplift capability and capacity for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to improve resilience across our state.
To support disaster preparedness programs and initiatives, the QRA will receive additional funding and 30 extra positions.
As a valuable part of our state’s disaster and emergency response, the QRA’s commitment to helping the people of Queensland prepare for and recover from disasters will remain unchanged.
We are aware of the impacts of recent disasters in Queensland and have committed to no degradation of services for the community while this work is underway. The reforms will occur by 30 June 2024.
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 or you could:
