Queensland welcomes its newest firefighters

• Even more firefighters to be deployed to stations in Brisbane, north coast, central and south eastern Queensland
• This is the third of 15 graduating ceremonies to take place in 2024 with more than 200 new firefighter recruits are expected to graduate this year
• The Government is delivering 500 extra firefighters over six years from 2020-2021 financial years

The Miles Government is boosting frontline services across Queensland and delivering on a commitment to put 500 extra firefighters on the frontline to protect Queensland communities.

The latest round of 16 recruits who graduated today will be deployed in regional Queensland and in Brisbane.

During the course, the recruits completed specialised training units such as live fire behaviour training, bushfire, road crash rescue, technical rescue and training in hazardous materials management.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd:

“The Miles Government prioritises community safety and that means delivering more frontline government workers like firefighters,” the Minister said.

“They will be called on to respond to house fires, car crashes, bushfires and many other types of emergencies or disasters, providing assistance to Queenslanders when and where it is most needed.

“The FRS expects the highest standards from its firefighters and these graduates have shown they are dedicated and committed to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform this important role.

“Queenslanders can rest assured our newest firefighters are ready to answer the call for help.

“We can continue to grow out frontline services like firefighters because the Miles Government has made tough decisions.

“In stark contrast, David Crisafulli and the LNP want to prop up international coal companies and has said they can take his promise ‘to the bank’.

“That means he must cut to fund his election promises, just like he did when he was a member of the most recent LNP cabinet.

“That will put communities at risk.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Commissioner Steve Smith:

“The training completed by the recruits ensured they will hit the ground running to help make a real difference in communities,” Acting Commissioner Smith said.

“The recruit training course is designed to reflect the broad range of services firefighters provide and recreates real life situations to give them a solid foundation of practical skills and experiences.

“QFES and the FRS has a proud history of working with the people of Queensland, and these recruits will continue to provide the vital fire and emergency services our state needs.

“The dedication and hard work shown by these recruits through the course reflects our values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust.”

Further information:

The 16 recruits will be posted to the following regions:

Brisbane: 9

Central: 2

North Coast: 4

South Eastern: 1

The graduates will continue their learning over the next three years to complete a Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) and a Certificate III in Public Safety (Community Safety).

ENDS

Media contact – QFES: 3635 3310