IMPORTANT: This information covers topics such as changing workplace behaviours and culture, which can sometimes touch on difficult personal experiences. If you need support, please see the contacts available at the bottom of this page.  

Background

In 2024, the State Fire Commission (SFC) endorsed an independent review (the Review) of workplace cultures in the TFS and SES. The Independent Review was established to listen to TFS and SES employees and volunteers, learn what the organisations do well, 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 of our cultures.  

EB&Co delivered their Report into the TFS and SES cultures to the State Fire Commission on 31 March 2025.   

Many people responded to the Reviewers by speaking positively 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.   

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

The Report acknowledges culture is changing for the better, but there is work to do to strengthen belonging and safety. People reported experiences of exclusion, bullying, harassment, not feeling valued and a lack of trust in leadership accountability and processes for reporting harmful behaviour.  

26 recommendations to improve culture across the organisations were identified through the Report.  

The Report was released to all TFS and SES members on 6 May 2025. 

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.

View the Report

View the full TFS-SES Culture Review Report

View the Culture Review Report Easy Read

Vision for culture

The TFS-SES Executive have also considered what the cultures of the TFS and SES should look like in the future, and have agreed on the following vision:      

“Our vision for TFS and SES are cultures based on our organisational values.  
Where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and safe.  
Organisations we are proud of. ”  

This vision has been informed by the TFS-SES Strategic Plan 2024-28 which was developed through extensive consultation across both organisations.   

Respect 360 Program – Responding to the Report

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

The Respect 360 Program (Respect 360) has been established to build on existing cultural strengths and progress, while working to address the issues and challenges found in the Review. This includes actions and initiatives that are already underway or planned through existing strategic plans, action plans and business work plans, as well as actions yet to be designed.  

Capturing and monitoring work under the banner of the Respect 360 Program, gives us a 360-degree view of the collective cultural improvement projects and initiatives being undertaken across TFS, SES and DPFEM, that support the Review recommendations. This approach also allows us to track progress against the recommendations and be transparent with our members.  

The program is led by the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner.  A consultative governance structure is in place with a Steering Committee, Implementation Leaders Group and the inclusion of time-limited working groups as appropriate. The Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner is the chair of the Respect 360 Steering Committee. Collaboration and consultation are key to developing meaningful actions that will support the recommendations of the Report, and the Governance Structure includes subject matter experts and key leaders. A small Program Team supports the program of work and will manage day-to-day logistics.   

More information for TFS and SES members

TFS and SES members are encouraged to visit the Respect 360 page on Conexus (the internal intranet) to learn more and stay up to date with what’s happening, as well as hear about opportunities to provide feedback and get involved.

Support

Support for TFS and SES members (including volunteers) 

• Wellbeing Support can be accessed 24/7 by contacting the Wellbeing Support Team. Call 6173 2873 or email wellbeing@dpfem.tas.gov.au     

National support services    

• 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Call: 1800 737 732 

• Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention service. Call 13 11 14   

• Beyond Blue – Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support service. Call:  1300 224 636   

• Headspace – supports young people aged between 12 and 25 with their mental health. Call 1800 650 890   

• Kids Helpline – counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25. Call 1800 55 180