CODE 2, VOL 32, NO 15 : 04 may 2018

QFES establishes ‘Resolution Engagement Unit’

I am pleased to report that Commissioner Carroll, in agreement with myself and Minster for Fire and Emergency Services Mr Crawford, has established within QFES a Resolution Engagement Unit (the REU).

The REU has been established by the Commissioner, and has commenced operating immediately, with the task of engaging with and working with your union state office to resolve matters affecting your employment across the state. The REU ought to allow for prompt resolution and outcomes.

Prompt action, resolution and an outcomes focus is the key to your union’s work within the REU, and the unit has been established as a permanent pathway to resolve high level operational and industrial relations matters.
           
I look forward to the REU achieving some positive outcomes for you and your employment.

Minister Crawford thanks UFUQ members

On Thursday 3 May 2018, in the Queensland state parliament, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mr Crawford stood to thank UFUQ members involved in responding to a recent house fire in Salisbury, Brisbane.

Whilst Minister Crawford spoke directly to that particular incident, his words apply to the work you do every day and night to protect your communities across Queensland, or when asked, Australia or overseas, be you Fire Communications Officers, Firefighters, or if you work in any of many specialist services provided by you and your colleagues.

Click here for the Queensland parliament Hansard record, and below is an excerpt of the Minister’s comments:

Hon. CD CRAWFORD (Barron River—ALP) (Minister for Fire and Emergency Services) (9.59 am)

'I would like to personally thank the Firecom staff… plus… firefighters from multiple fire stations, including Acacia Ridge, Kemp Place, Annerley and Rocklea, who quickly arrived on the scene and were immediately thrown into action.
A total of eight crews attended, with some crews remaining on scene for nearly five hours. The QFES Fire Investigation unit attended the following morning at 9.45 am, when they managed to determine the probable cause of the fire. On behalf of all Queenslanders, I would like to finish by taking this opportunity to thank every person who contributed in their own way… They should be very proud of their efforts, their selflessness, their professionalism and their dedication.’

International Firefighters’ Day

As professional firefighters we dedicate our lives to protecting our communities, and we take great pride in what we do.

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we celebrate and thank all current and past firefighters for the contribution they make, or have made, to their community.

Many of us are lucky enough to do what we do until our golden years but for some their dedication and contribution ends with the ultimate sacrifice – their life. We celebrate and honour their sacrifice as well.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed globally each year on 4 May and people all over the world will take the time today to show their support and appreciation for what we do while serving our communities and to recognise and honour the sacrifices of our fallen comrades.

We don’t do what we do for the thanks. But, it is important every once in a while to reflect on the great work we do and have done.

I thank you all for your commitment and dedication to your communities. All UFUQ members can take pride in the service we provide for the Queensland community.

John Oliver - General Secretary