February 16, 2022
Commissioner Greg Leach confirmed on Wednesday Queensland Fire and Emergency Services paid staff will not have to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
A QFES spokesperson said this followed analysis of risk assessments and expert advice from authorities as well as consultations with paid staff, volunteers, unions and associations.
The Commissioner considered several factors before arriving at this decision, including:
- Advice from the Deputy Chief Health Officer on the current and predicted future of the pandemic
- The current risk assessment for QFES and the ability to deliver services to the Queensland community
- Measures QFES already has in place including Pandemic Preparedness Plans and Standing Orders
- The current downward trend of active cases across Queensland
- Workplace health and safety obligations
“There is always the potential for increased community transmission in the future and there may be a time when this decision is revisited based on changing risk,” the spokesperson said.
“While it is not currently mandatory for QFES staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, personnel must operate within Queensland Health guidelines and directives as they respond to incidents in the community.
“QFES staff and volunteers are not permitted to undertake certain tasks including international and interstate deployments or enter certain buildings (except in emergency situations) unless they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“QFES’ Pandemic Plans detail additional safety measures and requirements for staff and volunteers when interacting with their colleagues and the community to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“The Commissioner and QFES share the Chief Health Officer’s view that vaccinations continue to be the best defence against COVID-19 and will continue to encourage any QFES personnel not yet vaccinated to do so, and those who have already been vaccinated to get a booster shot.”
I believe I heard that members of the volunteer rural fire service have to be vaccinated? Isn’t this a double standard?
No, QFES volunteers don’t have to be vaccinated in Queensland. As the Commissioner says in the report “it is not currently mandatory for QFES staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, personnel must operate within Queensland Health guidelines and directives as they respond to incidents in the community”.