CODE 2, VOL 38, NO 5 : 18 march 2024

NEW QFD LEGISLATION PROCESS – PROGRESS UPDATE

I reported to you on 7 March 2024 that the Bill to amend the FES Act 1990 was introduced into Queensland parliament. I again thank Minister Boyd for her ongoing support for progression of the new legislation and the new QFD, returning the focus of the department to operations and operational outcomes.

You will recall in my Code 2 of 7 March, I reported two of the main changes proposed by the Bill (QFRS eligibility criteria and merit criteria).

You can find a copy of the Bill here.

You can find a copy of my previous Code 2 on this matter here.

I am pleased to say that the process of the legislation moving to being passed in the parliament continues, with your union providing extensive submissions.  We made a number of recommendations and also provided extensive support for other aspects of the Bill, you can find a full copy of the UFUQ submission content here.

The parliamentary committee (the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee) will consider our submissions and all others, and the Bill itself, including at a public hearing set for Tuesday 26 March 2024 and your union expects to provide further verbal support for the Bill at this hearing (and also possibly face some questions about our submissions, which we are well prepared for). You can find out more about the Committee and committee processes here.

Your state UFUQ office has worked for many years, speaking with the ALP government at every opportunity to bring about these changes, and I am pleased to see them progressing as we hoped.

I again commit to keeping you all fully informed as this process develops.  I expect there will be public commentary prior to the Committee hearing on 26 March from various legitimate stakeholders and also a few fringe dwellers who think things aren't going their way, and I will provide further updates prior to the hearing if required, but certainly after the hearing.

If you have questions about the Bill or our submissions, please email them to ufu@ufuq.com.au and we will develop a response for you.

This Bill is a positive step forward in reshaping QFES into QFD and I again thank Minister Boyd and the Miles ALP government for continuing with this process.

John Oliver - General Secretary