500 firefighters recruited as Queensland’s frontline grows stronger

• The Crisafulli Government reaches a major milestone with 500 firefighters joining Queensland's frontline since the election.
• Labor underinvested in Queensland’s firefighters, which in return saw frontline numbers heavily decline and stretched resources across the State.
• The milestone strengthens emergency response across metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
• The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer after Labor’s decade of decline. 

The Crisafulli Government has reached a major milestone in its commitment to making Queensland safer, with the 500th firefighter recruited under the Government graduating today. 

More than 500 firefighters have now been recruited into Queensland Fire Department ranks since the Crisafulli Government came to office, strengthening frontline capability across metropolitan, regional and rural Queensland. 

After a decade of Labor’s underinvestment saw firefighter numbers heavily decline and frontline resources stretched, the Crisafulli Government is strengthening the workforce and capability needed to keep Queenslanders safe. 

The latest graduates will soon join stations across metropolitan, regional and rural Queensland, strengthening emergency response capability and ensuring help is there when Queenslanders need it most. 

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the milestone reflected the Crisafulli Government's focus on rebuilding frontline capability across Queensland. 

“These graduates are joining one of Queensland's most respected frontline services, and they should be extremely proud of the role they will play protecting lives, property and communities,” Minister Leahy said. 

“Labor left Queensland’s frontline emergency services playing catch-up, but we’re turning that around by building a stronger firefighting workforce and giving our crews the resources they need to protect Queenslanders.” 

Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith said the new recruits had demonstrated strong teamwork and resilience throughout the program. 

“Today marks the beginning of an incredibly rewarding career for these firefighters and each member of Recruit Course 189 should be proud of what they’ve achieved,” Commissioner Smith said. 

“The 500 milestone is more than just a number. It means more firefighters serving on the frontline, more support for our existing crews and more protection for our communities.” 

“I’d like to congratulate every graduate and thank them for choosing a career that serves Queensland. I know they will make a lasting contribution to the stations and communities they will join across the state.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040