Western Downs SES members to go on strike for six months in protest over alleged mistreatment

Members of the Western Downs SES have taken a six month leave of absence over alleged internal disputes between them and head office, as well as reported failings from council. Find out more.

The Western Downs SES crew celebrating Wear Orange Wednesday on May 19, 2021. Picture: Contributed

The Western Downs community will be without the services of a number of the region’s SES members for six months after “personality clashes” and internal disputes have led to a deadlock with the regional head office.

Jandowae group leader Andrew Tubb said the Western Downs SES had been hamstrung for months, being excluded from training days held around South West Queensland and not receiving adequate support from Western Downs Regional Council.

“It’s a mess at the moment, some of the issues we are having are with regional office, there have been no training the last year or so, they’ve had some training weekends down there (Warwick) and Western Downs weren't invited,” he said.

“They claimed it was about fatigue management because we’d have to drive two and a half hours to get there, but that’s on us if we decide to go.

“They put training calendars out and they don't get filled in. We’ve had some new members join up and we chase them up for the training and they cancel them so the new members can't get training.

“We struggle with signing members as it is, we have one new member who’s been here for a year and she’s only done one course, how do you try to keep new members without training? We can teach them what we know but until they do their courses they can't do some things, particularly the high-risk stuff.”

Due to the operational nature of the State Emergency Service, volunteers are required to pass various training courses before they’re able to conduct operations in the field.

“We can show them how to start a chainsaw but until they do the course they can’t start one up and it's the same with the flood boats,” Mr Tubb said.

“In the Western Downs we only have five flood boat operators, there was a course coming out but things happened and we didn't get any members on that. You need two people to run a boat so we can only run two boats and we have six boats in our region.”

Andrew Tubb.

Mr Tubb said they were also not receiving support from the Western Downs Regional Council.

“They own the facilities and the equipment and we are just having trouble getting anything out of them,” he said.

“They were a year behind on their services, we have airconditioners in the meeting rooms which aren’t working, some of the groups has leaky roofs they don’t fix, we had a meeting at the start of December and we still haven't had anything come from that.

“The Dalby facility is also still not back to full capabilities after the break-in. The first time council came out was two months after the break-in, we still aren’t fully operational, and we still don’t have everything back.

“During the break-in the car was stolen and burnt out and It’s gone through insurance and supposedly there has been a pay out, but at this stage the car hasn’t been replaced, we are still working with a loan car.”

A Western Downs SES vehicle was found burnt out after it was reported stolen.

Mr Tubb said while it was not ideal to take the long leave, they felt they were being forced to take drastic action.

“I think there is a clash of personalities and I think there are some people in there who aren't right for the roles,” he said.

“We are taking a six month leave as a wake-up call to the people involved saying you’ve got to sort some stuff out.

“At this stage head office will get other groups in to come and do things, we had a storm a few weeks ago and a couple of Toowoomba teams came up, they obviously don't want to do that and they can’t do it during the week because they work as well.”

Mr Tubb said they would still be using their skills to help the Western Downs where they could but it would not be under the banner of the SES.

“At the moment we have five fully qualified people from the Western Downs from Dalby out to Wandoan so we need more than that,” he said.

“We don't seem to be getting any assistance with anything anywhere and we feel like we are banging our heads against the wall, we are just sick of asking and not getting anything back.

“Indirectly they are affecting the community which they seem to not care or think about.

“In a serious emergency like a missing child I can still be there, but it will be as a volunteer person. I won't be covered by insurance and I won’t be wearing orange.”

Western Downs mayor Andrew Smith said council were aware of the strike and had made a commitment to support the region throughout the bext six months.

“The safety of our community is Western Downs Regional Council’s number one priority,” he said.

“Our local SES is a crucial part of the Western Downs Local Disaster Management Group and council proudly supports them in delivering their vital services throughout our region.

“While we are aware that some local SES members have elected to take a leave of absence, the community can be assured that there are still passionate SES volunteers on call in the Western Downs.

“Additionally, the Queensland State Emergency Service has given council their commitment that the region will be fully supported should any significant weather events occur across the region. Council is working closely with the Queensland State Emergency Service to ensure that our region continues to receive the full and uninterrupted support that our communities expect and rely on.

Mr Smith also rebuked claims that council hadn’t supported local SES teams.

“Council has an agreement with Queensland SES, through which we supply safe, functional facilities, essential computer equipment, and purchase and maintain the SES vehicle fleet. All training, uniforms, and other equipment are supplied by the state,” he said.

“Late last year Western Downs Regional Council was made aware of some concerns about SES facilities.

“A meeting was held between SES Volunteer Team Leaders, an Executive Director with Qld SES, myself and Council’s CEO and Disaster Management Officer just prior to Christmas, which brought to light communication issues that identified the maintenance concerns of our SES volunteers had not been forwarded to Council for rectification.

“Council acted swiftly to rectify the facility and equipment issues. I can confirm that the Dalby SES headquarters is safe and fit for purpose. It is a new facility that has been certified by an external, qualified Building Certifier. Additionally, an Action Plan has been developed from the December 2024 meeting which details the agreed actions, dates, and responsibilities of all parties.”

Mr Smith said they would also be pushing for recruitment.

“Our LDMG’s Local Disaster Management Action Plan for the year includes plans for a recruitment drive for the Western Downs SES,” he said.

“Council will be working closely with the SES and local volunteers on this exciting project, and we encourage anyone in our community who is looking for a volunteering experience with a difference to get involved.”

The Queensland State Emergency Service have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Western Downs SES members to go on strike for six months in protest over alleged mistreatment