Commissioner announced to lead Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

• Following a nation-wide recruitment process, Stephen Smith has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
• Mr Smith has acted as Commissioner of QFES since October 2023.

Mr Stephen Smith has been announced as the new permanent head of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), soon to be the Queensland Fire Department.

Mr Smith is an experienced and highly respected fire and emergency services leader, having served QFES with distinction for more than 30 years.

Holding various regional and state roles, Mr Smith has worked in diverse specialist areas where he gained extensive knowledge and experience in emergency and crisis management both domestically and internationally.

He is highly regarded for his operational experience and leadership in many of Queensland’s most significant emergency responses. He has been awarded two of Australia’s highest honours - the Australian Fire Service Medal and the National Emergency Medal. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister, the Hon. Nikki Boyd MP:

“Stephen Smith was the standout candidate for the Commissioner role with his exceptional insight into the service, alignment of skills and experience, passion, and renowned decisiveness and strategic leadership,” she said.

“His expertise and commitment to QFES have been instrumental in strengthening the agency's preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.

"Under Mr Smith's leadership, QFES will continue enhancing its capability to respond to fires, natural disasters and other emergencies effectively, and keep Queensland communities safe as we transition to the Queensland Fire Department.

“I look forward to working with Mr Smith and I congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.”

Quotes attributable to the Commissioner, Stephen Smith:

"I am honoured to be appointed as Commissioner and to lead this amazing Department, and the incredibly dedicated people who makeup the QFES workforce. Their courage, skills and commitment to serving Queenslanders is inspirational." he said.

"My ongoing priority is ensuring QFES maintains a strong operational capability and we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do in order to maintain and further enhance public safety.

“I will prioritise the wellbeing and professional development of our service personnel to ensure they have the resources and training needed to serve Queensland communities safely and effectively.

“Together, we will continue building resilience and preparedness to protect lives, properties, and the environment.”

Short Bio:

Mr Stephen Smith joined the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in 1994 as a Firefighter in the Brisbane region.

His passion for service has seen him undertake a distinguished and dedicated career where he progressed through the ranks, attaining the position of Assistant Commissioner in 2015.

Throughout his service, Mr Smith has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, National Emergency Medal, National Medal, Commissioners Meritorious Service Ribbon, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medal, Queensland Flood and TC Yasi Citation, and the Canterbury Earthquake Citation (New Zealand).

He also holds various certifications including an Executive Master of Public Administration, Master of Leadership and Management, Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership, Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Applied Management, Graduate – Australian Institute of Company Directors Course; and the Strategic Command Course.

His appointment as Commissioner to QFES will provide strong and experienced leadership for the service, and for the broader Queensland community.

ENDS

Media contact – Ben Wilmott (0476 555 133)