In 2024, the State Fire Commission (SFC) endorsed an independent review (the Review) of workplace cultures in the TFS and SES to better understand what the organisations do well and where improvements are needed. The Independent Review was established to listen to TFS and SES employees and volunteers, understand the impact of harmful workplace behaviours, and to build inclusive and respectful workplaces for everyone.  

Independent consultants, EB&Co were appointed to undertake the Review and deliver a report of findings and recommendations to inform actions that place strong values, trust and respect at the forefront. 

EB&Co finalised their Report into the TFS and SES cultures and delivered their report to the State Fire Commission on 31 May.  

Many people responded to the Reviewers by speaking about their pride in being part of the TFS and SES, and their strong connections with the community. There is a collective sense of purpose, a deep commitment to community safety and a strong sense of belonging and connection within teams.  

We can build on these positive experiences and cultures.  

When our communities need help, we step up and work together. But that professionalism and support for each other does not always happen in our day-to-day activities and workplaces.   

The Report acknowledges that the culture is changing for the better, but there is work to do to strengthen belonging and safety. People reported experiences where they have been excluded from opportunities, that they don’t feel valued and don’t always feel safe to admit mistakes or speak up when something isn’t right.   

It also identifies cultural issues including exclusion, leadership accountability and lack of trust in the processes to report harmful behaviour.   

Apology for Harm 

• We heard of experiences where people have been bullied, excluded, or sexually harassed.
• The Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Jeremy Smith has extended an apology to any employees or volunteers who have experienced harm during their time with the organisations.

26 recommendations in the areas of leadership, workplace safety, cohesion and recognition, transparency, reporting and barrier to inclusion, improving training and policies relating to culture, and monitoring workforce trends were identified through the Report. 

The Report was released to all TFS and SES members on 6 May.  

View the full TFS-SES Culture Review Report

View the Culture Review Report Easy Read  

Collaboration and Consultation are key to developing meaning actions that will support the recommendations of the Report.  

Early actions are already underway with the TFS-SES Executive signing a Respect 360 – Statement of Commitment. This is a commitment to lead cultures where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and safe and is a commitment from leadership to implement changes informed by the recommendations in the Report.  

The TFS-SES Executive owns the culture of the organisations and will lead the program of work ahead. The Respect 360 Program will be the vehicle through which actions and change are delivered. This will be led by the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner with a consultative governance structure in place. The Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner will chair a Steering Committee and, a Working Group, Program Team and Focus Group will support the program of work.  

TFS and SES members can access Conexus (the internal intranet service) to learn more Respect 360 and what happens next. This dedicated space provides further detail, FAQs, the Respect 360 Governance structure and information about how you can get involved. This Conexus space will be regularly updated and contain all ongoing developments, documents and opportunities for further consultation.  

If the Review has raised any wellbeing concerns, TFS, SES and BES members can contact Wellbeing Support 24/7 on 6173 2873.