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The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has undergone significant change over recent years. This level of change within the department has proven challenging from a cultural perspective.  In effect, QFES is an amalgam of cultures from three very different services, with staff identifying strongly with their service of origin.  For many, the potential loss of cultural identity and the feeling of ‘constant change’ has been challenging to accept.

Given the extent of change, it has been imperative for QFES to better understand how its staff are managing through these changes.  Since 2013, assessments have been undertaken into workplace climate through the annual Queensland Government Working for Queensland Employee Opinion Survey.  To complement these, in 2015, the Commissioner’s Future of QFES survey was also conducted to gauge elements of QFES’ culture.  Both surveys provide valuable information on the workplace pre- and post-merger, however do not necessarily provide a full assessment.