FIRE COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE - 30 january 2024

I thought it was time to provide a short update on positive moves forward on a range of fire communications matters that benefit all members.

SINGLE OFFICER TORP – 12 MONTH TRIAL TO COMMENCE IN LATE FEBRUARY

QFES has been in discussions with the UFUQ and with members in communication centres that occasionally drop to single officer.  The UFUQ supports QFES position and that of our members that there are risks associated with working alone that are outside of the sort of matters included in the current TORP and FORP draft documents. All parties are supporting other centres sharing the workload when an officer is working alone. As such, we have reached an agreement to move to a 12-month trial of TORP of 000 for the duration of a centre dropping to a single officer (of any classification).

We are currently in discussions about the process for the single operator (or someone else if relevant) triggering the mandatory TORP to occur whilst the person is working alone. But to be clear, whilst there will be notification processes, there will be no approval required.

ON DUTY FCM ROLE STANDING ORDER

Your union is also in discussions and consultation about a new standing order for the on-duty FCM role.  We have provided commentary to the draft and are awaiting an update from QFES about our position.  I will keep you informed about progress on this important document.

CA22 CLAUSE 95 REVIEW – UPDATE

Outputs from the very productive workshop run in early December 2023 are currently being drafted into a comprehensive Terms of Reference for the Fire Communications review as required by clause 95 of CA22.  As soon as your union and QFES have reached agreement on this document, a copy will be forwarded to all UFUQ members for you to review.  Your input will be vital to the review and each and every one of you will be given multiple opportunities to provide input to the review, which will be totally open to all, no part of the review will be allowed to be conducted by QFES representatives behind closed doors as has so often been the case in the past.

FIRE COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE MANAGER POSITION – UPDATE

You are all no doubt aware that for the first time, your union has obtained agreement from QFES that fire communications functions in the new QFD will be managed by a Fire Communications Executive Manager.  The details of this position’s role description are about to be negotiated by your union with QFES.

Once that is done, the position can be called.  Historically, your work has been managed by a firefighter in a senior officer role.  But, in QFD, your Executive Manager (who will not be a firefighter) will report directly on your behalf to the Assistant Commissioner of State Operations (which sits inside Fire and Rescue in the QFD.

More information will also be provided on this new role as soon as discussions progress.

John Oliver - General Secretary

Authorised by John Oliver General Secretary 
United Firefighters' Union of Australia, Union of Employees QLD