Palaszczuk Government works with volunteers to help make Queensland safer

The heads of emergency services volunteer organisations will this morning (Tuesday) meet with senior levels of government in Brisbane for their third Emergency Volunteer Advisory Forum.

Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford will be attending the meeting in Kedron, which will see key agencies collaborating to help bring positive outcomes for emergency services volunteers.

“As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitments, we are continuing the Emergency Volunteer Advisory Forum to enable effective policy-decision making and to further benefit capability and resilience building across Queensland communities,” Mr Crawford said.

“The forum, which was established last year, is a result of this government’s commitment to engaging with volunteers and ensuring they have access to the most senior levels of government.

“The last meeting, held in September 2017, identified a number of priorities for 2018 including respecting volunteer services, resilience, communication, education and protection.

“With National Volunteer Week being held last week, it is timely to continue the focus on volunteers and work to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes for both volunteers and the communities they serve.

“The government is committed to listening to our emergency services volunteers and working with them to develop more resilient Queensland communities.

“Our volunteers perform various important roles and contribute to the safety and well-being of our state.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the forum provides a crucial platform for volunteers to raise important issues with senior levels of government.

“The establishment of this forum will ensure volunteer groups including the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), Urban Search and Rescue and scientific volunteers can provide input into government policy and decision making,” Ms Carroll said.

“It’s great to see representatives from across key volunteer organisations be able to voice their unique perspectives on emergency services volunteering in Queensland.”

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909