The Queensland Government passed amendments on Thursday 18 September that would allow rural fire brigades to carry out activities to assist communities in preparing for and responding to an event or disaster on their own initiative or at request from the community, without direction from the Queensland Fire Department (QFD).
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton described this as a positive change that would give local fire brigades greater autonomy when on the ground fighting fires or supporting the community during other disasters, like floods or cyclones.
“In normal situations, rural fire brigades would call the QFD for approval to act, but when that’s not possible, this provision would let them make essential decisions and provide support to communities when they need it most,” said Ms. Bolton.
While welcomed, the Independent MP acknowledged the announcement still did not address further reforms sought by the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
“We continue advocating on behalf of our local brigades to address the issues raised following the incorporation of the RFS into QFD. This includes at minimum an independent Commissioner for the RFS with full strategic and operational control and a separate quarantined budget,” Ms Bolton said.
In 2024, the Rural Fire Service was incorporated into the Queensland Fire Department along with Queensland Fire and Rescue through the Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024.
Local rural fire brigade members and the RFS made representations to the Independent Noosa MP’s office up to and following the passing of the legislation, citing deep opposition to elements within this bill, including the declaration that the RFS advisory committee was not a decision-making body.
“With the new government committing to supporting our volunteers, we should be doing more to empower our selfless and dedicated RFS and the more than 26,000 volunteers that make up its ranks,” Ms Bolton said.
With the report into the Inquiry into Volunteering released, the Noosa MP said it was positive to see Recommendation 3 highlight the need for government to consider and implement changes to the Rural Fire Service Queensland to address cultural and organisational issues surrounding volunteers, including adaptive consultation processes and local decision making to better reflect and address the demands and experiences of local rural fire brigades.
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