Queensland Fire and Emergency Services ties a white ribbon around its workplace

Championing the prevention of family violence and promoting a safe workplace culture has resulted in Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) being accredited as a White Ribbon Workplace (WRW).

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today congratulated QFES on its accreditation, and said it recognised the organisation’s commitment to preventing violence.

“Workplaces have a major role to play in the battle against domestic violence, from supporting employees affected by it through to promoting a respectful culture,” Mr Crawford said.

“This is formal recognition that QFES embodies the White Ribbon oath that ‘I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women’.”

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the White Ribbon program helped organisations respond to and prevent domestic and family violence and violence against women.

“When women and children and, yes, some men, are not safe in their own homes then we need to speak up about it and provide workplaces that are as safe and supportive as possible,” she said.

“This is a serious issue and the Palaszczuk Government is proud to be doing what we can to support this culture shift.”

White Ribbon Australia CEO Delia Donovan congratulated QFES on achieving WRA workplace status.

“Over the past 12 months QFES has demonstrated effective leadership, resource allocation, communication, HR policy development and training to create a safer and more respectful workplace,” Ms Donovan said.

“QFES is now officially recognised by WRA as a workplace pioneer in contributing to national culture change to prevent and respond to violence against women.

“They have also evidenced a commitment to gender equality, supporting employees to be more respectful across all spheres of the workplace and the broader community.”

Deputy Commissioner and WRA champion Mike Wassing said QFES staff and volunteers were a driving force behind securing accreditation.

“Our hugely motivated and supportive staff and volunteers means we now have workforce that is well prepared to support colleagues and others who are affected by domestic and family violence,” Mr Wassing said.

“This accreditation is just the beginning. 

“We will continue to develop training packages for our staff and volunteers, provide ongoing education campaigns and continually improve policies, procedures and guidelines that support our people.”

Mr Crawford was joined by QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll and colleagues from Queensland Rail, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Environment and Science, Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, who have also been accredited as WRA workplaces.

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116