Rural firefighter Judy Ferrari adds her voice to claims of sexism and misogyny in QFD

A former high ranking rural firefighter has revealed more shocking allegations of ingrained toxic sexism, misogyny and harassment in the Queensland Fire Department, as the LNP turns up the heat on Minister Nikki Boyd.

Kay Harding, Margaret Paskevicius, Judy Ferrari, Karen Hale and Kiki Morgan of the Wartburg Rural Fire Brigade in 2018. Judith Ferrari entered the Queensland Rural Fire Service in 2008 and said over her 15-year career she constantly battled misogynistic views and culture.

A former Rural Fire Service First Officer has spoken out on experiences of bullying, harassment and discrimination within the service just days after Theebine First Officer Sandy Brown also went public with similar allegations.

LNP Burnett MP Stephen Bennett on Tuesday described the alleged incidents as “disgusting” and tabled a Question on Notice to Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd in parliament, calling for an independent investigation.

A spokesperson for Ms Boyd also described the allegations as “deplorable” and said it was is important the Corruption and Crime Commission was able to independently assess and investigate them.

“The Minister has said publicly, the type of behaviour alleged to have occurred is not acceptable,” a statement from Ms Boyd’s office said.

“Anyone aware of allegations such as this, should report it so they can be properly investigated, and importantly, victims are supported.”

Judith Ferrari entered the Queensland Rural Fire Service in 2008 and said over her 15-year career she constantly battled misogynistic views and culture.

Judy Ferrari was with the Wartburg Rural Fire Brigade until two years ago. She says she entered the Queensland Rural Fire Service in 2008 and over her 15-year career she constantly battled misogynistic views and culture. Photo Ren Lanzon/The Observer

“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,” Ms Ferrari said.

“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’.

First officers Danny Devers, Errol Noye, Jason Polzin, Judy Ferrari, Colleen Yarrow, David Kretschmer, Jeremey Banks and Ron Barker from around the region hold up their keys to eight new Yellow Rural Fire Trucks.

“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.

Assistant Commissioner Steve Barber, Young volunteer of the year Time Foster, Judy Ferrari and director for rural fire service in Gladstone, Craig Magick at the QFES volunteer conference.

“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 50s 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.”

Kay Harding, Margaret Paskevicius, Judy Ferrari, Karen Hale and Kiki Morgan of the Wartburg Rural Fire Brigade in 2018.

Mr Burnett said he had demanded action “on the back of the serious and disgusting reports of bullying, harassment and sexism”.

“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?” Mr Bennet said.

“Ms Ferrari’s story is disturbing, disgusting and appalling.

“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.

Originally published as Rural firefighter Judy Ferrari adds her voice to claims of sexism and misogyny in QFD