DM - Newsletter Edition 1

The Queensland Government is undertaking a reform program to address the function, structure, efficiency, funding and sustainability of our disaster and emergency services.

Whilst undertaking the Disaster Management (DM) review, the Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT) will aim to successfully transition and integrate DM functional responsibilities from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) into Queensland Police Service (QPS) by 30 June 2024.

The RIT’s Disaster Management Project team is in its tenth week and well into the planning phase for the transition. The team is made up of subject matter experts with a passion for disaster management from QPS, QFES and Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

Welcome to the first of a series of RIT Disaster Management newsletters! We look forward to sharing regular updates with you on the progress of the Disaster Management transition.

John Bosnjak
BUSINESS REFORM COORDINATOR
REFORM IMPLEMENTATION TASKFORCE

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Updates from the past two weeks

The team has been facilitating a 14-day sprint to explore the possible early transition of some disaster management functions to QPS.

An in-principle transition date of the 30 October 2023 has been agreed by QFES, QPS and QRA. The RIT will continue to work with the affected agencies to determine next steps of the transition.

How we got there

Seven specialist working groups were formed, focusing on matters relating to:

• Finance
• ICT
• Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Accommodation
• Fleet Management
• Procurement, and
• Disaster Management subject matter experts.

Each working group is made up of specialists from QPS, QFES, and QRA.

The working groups continue to support the operational Disaster Management function transition, reduce disruptions to business-as-usual activities, and ensure that there would be no degradation of service during and post-transition.

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Vetting requirements for transitioning employees

Earlier this week, employees identified as part of the early transition to QPS received an email from DC Greenfield's office with updated information about the vetting renewal process.

The QPS vetting process is comprehensive given the nature of its operations across the community and is a requirement of any person who is to be employed by the QPS in accordance with the Employment Screening Directive.

Proof of identification requirements clarification

Transitioning employees will need to provide identification as part of the vetting process. Existing government employees only need to provide a copy of their driver licence, or a passport where a driver licence is not held.

If no photographic identification is available, a birth certificate will be required.

The deadline to return vetting forms has been extended to Wednesday 5 July 2023.

If you require assistance in accessing or completing the forms, please contact the Change Support Implementation team on
3635 1709 or orgdevelopdesignimplement@qfes.qld.gov.au.

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Staff accommodation and location changes

For all transitioning employees, there will be no immediate changes to office locations, accommodation or reporting structures. They will continue to support current QFES priorities until transition arrangements have been finalised.

The People Working Group is currently working through and planning for employee movement and placement, and reporting structures.  No decisions have been finalised at this stage.

To enable detailed planning activities to commence, the in-principle agreement is to transition QFES employees to QPS from 30 October 2023.

Further communication and engagement will be organised once arrangements have been agreed between QFES and QPS.

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What’s next

The RIT Team is here to support you as we continue to work towards the early transition and enhance our state’s Disaster and Emergency Management capability to create resilient communities and respond to events.

Our dedication to assisting you in navigating through this process is taken seriously, and we are here to support you.

Reach out to us, seek guidance, and share any concerns or questions you may have regarding the transition or broader reform program. Get in touch with our team through RIT.Feedback@police.qld.gov.au.

Staying up to date

• Visit our website to read the latest news and myth busters
• Email your questions or concerns to RIT.Feedback@police.qld.gov.au.
• Subscribe to the RIT eNewsletter
• Download and print a poster and put it up in your office or lunch room.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the critical work you do in supporting disaster management in Queensland.

Last updated:

1 August 2023