‘Keep your mouth shut or leave.’
A former Rural Fire Service First Officer has spoken up regarding her experiences of bullying, harassment and discrimination within the service.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the bombshell allegations are disgusting and tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery in Parliament this morning calling for an independent investigation.
Judith Ferrari entered the Queensland Rural Fire Service in 2008 and said over her 15-year career she constantly battled misogynistic views and culture.
“My introduction to the service was to attend a compulsory seminar on requirements in the workplace regarding bullying and harassment of women. This was immediately after a neighbouring brigade’s First Officer and Committee were found guilty by the anti-discrimination government department at the time,” said Ms Ferrari.
“This one case in particular resulted in a female volunteer leaving the service after nearly a year of harassment, exclusion and outright hatred for making a complaint.
“Simply for supporting this volunteer through her experience I was then labelled ‘that bitch from Wartburg’.
“This is just one example, but a common one.”
“Over 15 years of service to QFES as a female and a First Officer I supported many female volunteers who sought my counsel regarding bullying, harassment and discrimination.
“The outcomes have always been and remain the same; the issues raised by women to their leadership are mostly scoffed at, barely investigated and if so, no action ever taken, and the women are labelled as a ‘troublemakers’.
“From the bottom to the top of ranks in the service, this toxic culture is so ingrained.
“Much lip service is always given but nothing real ever happens.
“I personally have endured name calling, abuse, harassment, and bullying by men within both arms of the fire service.
“The only options for women who experience bullying and harassment in the service are to stay and keep your mouth shut and ‘do not make waves’ or leave the service with no recourse for action or any sort of medical or mental health assistance.
“I have now retired from the service; the battle was seemingly too great as both a volunteer and a woman.
“My time in the service was rewarding and fulfilling, but it was also spent pushing back against these 50’s ideals.
“It was always a huge battle but hopefully now with younger members joining with different attitudes to women this will prevail.
“I will never be kept silent on the treatment of women in all walks of life.
“My hope is for the Queensland government to bring forth an independent review of both current and past serving female volunteer firefighters as well as for paid female Urban firefighters.
“It is long past due for a real inquiry into what actually happens at the coalface.
“It’s time for Qld Fire Services to be made accountable for their negligence in protecting women within the service.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has demanded action on the back of the serious and disgusting reports of bullying, harassment and sexism.
Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery in Parliament this morning.
Given the recent distressing allegations around sexual harassment, bullying and a hostile workplace for women in the Queensland Fire Department, will the Minister call for an independent investigation of these allegations?
“Ms Ferrari’s story is disturbing, disgusting and appalling,” said Mr Bennett.
“This kind of behaviour should not and should never be tolerated.
“It takes great courage to speak up, but to hear these allegations were swept under the carpet by the department is absolutely shameful.
“I’m calling on the Minister to take immediate action and conduct an independent investigation.
“As Ms Ferrari said, it’s time for the Queensland Fire Department to be made accountable for their negligence in protecting women within the service.”
Minister Boyd has 30 days to respond to Mr Bennett’s Question on Notice.
ENDS.
10/09/2024