Volunteer survey informs future direction of emergency services

Published Friday, 15 July, 2016 at 11:00 AM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Bill Byrne

The future of emergency services in Queensland has been opened to feedback from more than 43,000 volunteers with the launch of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) volunteer survey today.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said the 2016 QFES Volunteer Survey was open to all QFES volunteers to offer feedback on current operations and ideas for the future.

“Our aim is for safe and resilient communities and QFES volunteers are at the forefront of this, providing vital community education activities as well as responding to emergency situations,” he said. 

“The volunteer workforce is a cornerstone of the department, without them the emergency response delivered to all Queenslanders would not be possible.

“This survey is a great opportunity for QFES to hear what is working for our volunteers and what aspects need to be looked at as we work towards improving community resilience around the state.

“Survey results will influence the future of QFES and how Queensland communities interact with emergency services.”

Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Service Volunteers Mike Wassing said the survey would also ensure QFES continued to be a great place to work.

“We strive for the department to be an ethical and inclusive workplace where diversity and respect is valued and where we reflect the communities we serve,” he said.

“The survey is a way of measuring that these values are being reflected at the very foundations of this department and that our volunteer workforce feels empowered and well-equipped to serve their communities.

“Results will also help us recognise changing trends within volunteering and the community itself, ensuring our approach to volunteering continues to appeal to potential volunteers in the future.” 

The survey closes at 5pm Monday, 1 August 2016. For more information and to access the survey visit https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/vol-survey.asp

 

Media contacts:

Minister Byrne's office: 3035 8323