December 19, 2014
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Lee Johnson quit his post this morning after 13 years as Commissioner and 39 years service as a fire officer.
Assistant Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll will now slot into the role.
The moves follow the release earlier today by Premier Campbell Newman of a damning report into allegations of inappropriate sexist behaviour within the ranks of the fire services.
Mr Johnson, who began his career as a firefighter at Townsville in 1975, announced to staff that he would go on leave from today ahead of his retirement in July 2015.
He said his decision would allow a new Commissioner “to continue to develop and evolve the new Queensland Fire and Emergency Services”.
“Earlier today the Premier released the findings of a report into allegations of inappropriate sexist behaviour within QFES,” Mr Johnson said.
“Like the Premier, I am shocked and appalled at some of the findings,” he said.
“Whilst I believe the vast majority of staff and volunteers always uphold our core values and treat each other with dignity and respect, this report’s findings indicate this is not always the case.
“I find this personally confronting as Commissioner as such behaviours are alien to me and certainly do not reflect the type of service that I have sought to build during my career.
“Having reflected on the main findings and the scale of changes required to eliminate inappropriate behaviours along with the extensive reform and cultural agenda mapped out for QFES, I have decided it is now time for a new leader to continue to develop and evolve our organisation.”
However, Premier Newman told the Courier-Mail newspaper he had lost confidence in Commissioner Johnson.
“Suffice to say, I didn’t have confidence that the outgoing Commissioner understood the gravity of the situation – this is not about just a few bad apples,” he said.
In a media release, Mr Johnson said he was proud of the achievements within QFES during his time as Commissioner.
“Since I became Commissioner in 2001, QFES has made enormous progress, developing into a first-class fire service that not only keeps Queenslanders safe but also assists nationally and internationally,” he said.
“Queensland was the first state in Australia to have its Urban Search and Rescue taskforce classified by the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group in 2008.
“The taskforce has since been deployed to respond to natural disasters in Sumatra, Samoa, New Zealand and Japan as well as numerous deployments within Queensland.
“I was also honoured to perform the role of National President of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council for four years.
“I have been privileged during the last 39 years to work with incredible people, both staff and volunteers, in the service of this great state and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in creating the most capable Fire and Emergency Service in Australia.”
Mr Johnson thanked QFES staff and volunteers for their support during his time as Commissioner.
“I acknowledge your commitment and dedication to the safety of the Queensland community, a commitment I know will continue forever,” Mr Johnson said.
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