Public Safety Portfolio Disability Services Plan …2 Public Safety Portfolio Disability Services Plan 2014-2015 Year 2 Progress Report – 1 October 2014 to 30 November 2015 Priority

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Public Safety Portfolio Disability Services Plan 2014-2015

Year 2 Progress Report – 1 October 2014 to 30 November 2015

The Public Safety Portfolio (PSP) consists of the Office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM); the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA); Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES); and the Queensland Police Service (QPS). The portfolio structure is designed to support an integrated and collaborative approach to service delivery.

The Office of the IGEM provides independent assurance and advice to enable confidence in Queensland’s emergency management arrangements.

PSBA provides strategic and corporate services to Queensland’s public safety agencies – the Office of the IGEM, QFES and QPS – allowing them to concentrate on frontline service delivery. It also performs operational functions including Queensland Government Air (QGAir) services, State Government Security and administration of the Blue Card system.

QFES is the primary provider of fire and rescue, emergency management and disaster mitigation programs and services throughout Queensland, and includes Fire and Rescue, Emergency Management, Rural Fire Service Queensland and the State Emergency Service. Through Service Agreements, QFES also supports other emergency response volunteer organisations/agencies including Surf Life Saving Queensland, Royal Life Saving Society Queensland, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland.

The QPS works with the community to stop crime and make Queensland safer. The QPS is responsible for service delivery 24 hours a day, seven days a week, focussed on preserving peace and good order, protecting the community, preventing and detecting crime, administering the law fairly and efficiently, and bringing offenders to justice. This is achieved by using technology and innovative strategies to enable a mobile, flexible and agile delivery of services to address community needs.

The Public Safety Portfolio Disability Services Plan 2014-2015 seeks to educate, inform and engage with Queenslanders with a disability to reduce the rate and impact of public safety incidents including crimes, road crashes and fires.

The PSP recognises the significant contribution that all members bring to the organisation through their skills, experiences, perspectives and knowledge. As an employer, the PSP acknowledges the right of people with disabilities to enter and participate in an equitable workplace. The portfolio also recognises carers for persons with disabilities and their interests in the delivery of services.

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Public Safety Portfolio Disability Services Plan 2014-2015

Year 2 Progress Report – 1 October 2014 to 30 November 2015

Priority 1 Support people with disability and communities to be well-informed and confident about what the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) means for them.

Strategy 1.2 Promote the role of mainstream services in supporting people with disability, their families and carers.

National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (NDS) Outcome Area

Policy Outcome 1: Inclusive and accessible communities.

Actions Years 1 and 2

Products/Activities Progress/Achievements Stakeholder Engagement

Responsible Area

1.2.1 Ensure that staff are aware of the role Public Safety Portfolio (PSP) agencies play in providing mainstream services in supporting people with disability, their families and carers.

Ensure the PSP agencies engage in activities for people with disability, their family and carers, and providers.

The PSP developed and implemented a Disability Services Plan (DSP) which seeks to educate, inform and engage with Queenslanders with disability to reduce the rate and impact of public safety incidents including crimes, road crashes and fires. PSP agencies continued to work with Queenslanders with a disability to build ready and resilient communities and ensure community preparedness for disaster events.

The PSP agencies contributed to the development of the DSP.

Community consultation areas

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Priority 2 Support people with disability, families and carers to exercise choice and take up opportunities.

Strategy 2.3 Work with people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and rural and remote communities to identify how to provide locally delivered and staffed disability supports.

NDS Outcome Area Policy Outcome 4: Personal and community support.



Responsible Area

2.3.1 Develop resources to build capacity to understand and assist people with disability, families and carers who engage with PSP agencies.

Targeted activities to support people with disability, families and carers.

The PSP agencies continued to develop resources to build the capacity of employees to assist people with a disability, their families and carers and also developed resources to assist people with a disability, their families and carers in engaging with the PSP agencies.

Examples include:

The PSBA intranet website provides links and information to enable employees who engage directly with the public to access language services such as Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ) Auslan (Australian sign language) Interpreter services.

The QPS intranet website provides information regarding DSQ and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translation services for hearing impaired persons. This site is also accessible by employees who wish to access services for clients.

Blue Card Services within PSBA developed an Online Learning Portal to enable key messages and training materials about the blue card system and child protection to be accessible to a wide audience, with videos hosted on a YouTube channel. The

Blue Card Services engaged with the Cerebral Palsy League and the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (DCCSDS) to address issues associated with Blue Card applications from the disability sector.

Portfolio cultural advisory units

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Responsible Area

YouTube platform supports the use of closed captioning, to ensure accessibility for hearing impaired viewers. The first suite of videos was released in June 2015 and has received very positive feedback from a number of external organisations and stakeholders. Additional video resources relating to compliance obligations for individuals and organisations are under development.

QFES has developed a draft stakeholder engagement framework and guidelines which recognise the need for inclusive engagement with all stakeholders such as vulnerable communities. The framework is a key component of being able to provide effective service delivery and advice and development of successful policies.

2.3.2 At a local level work with people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and rural and remote communities to identify disability services options in those areas.

PSP agencies delivering services in Indigenous, and rural and remote communities will consider partnering opportunities with Disability Services to deliver this strategy.

The QPS engages with communities at a local level through a combination of sworn officers, Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) and Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Police Support Officers (TSIPSOs).

Through these engagements police refer people to and support other agencies to deal with local issues including the needs of people with a disability.


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Responsible Area

PLOs have a duty to:

liaise with culturally specific communities to foster cooperation and understanding

advise police officers on the cultural beliefs, needs and protocols of the community in which they work

identify potential crime or disorder problems in the community and advise and assist in prevention strategies

establish and maintain communication between the community and police

improve community access to policing services and refer to other services where necessary.

These activities assist the QPS to be more effective by improving client services, preventing or reducing crime and maintaining community partnerships.

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Priority 4 Develop a skilled and strong workforce.

Strategy 4.1 Implement a Queensland workforce strategy including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy that builds the skills of existing and new workers; and attracts, recruits and retains staff including people with disability.

NDS Outcome Area Policy Outcome 3: Economic Security.



Responsible Area

4.1 Promote employment participation and support regional communities and people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and other groups to identify local solutions to workforce challenges.

Ensure staff in these areas are able to support local solutions.

In February 2015, an Inclusion Taskforce was established in the PSBA to provide leadership in promoting a workplace that welcomes and supports people of varying backgrounds, different viewpoints, experience, talents and ideas, where they can grow to their full potential. The primary functions of the Taskforce include:

to establish and model the standards expected of PSBA as an exemplar of a diverse, inclusive workplace, the staff of which reflect the diversity of the broader community

provide leadership to ensure communication to staff reflects the principles of privacy, confidentiality and safety in raising issues to management

collect and examine data to assist in establishing an accurate picture of the cultural health of the PSBA and identify any opportunities for improvement

set the direction on the recruitment and training policies of the PSBA to ensure the agency provides access to employment, delivers proactive recruitment options and reinforces the values required to support a

QFES undertakes engagement activities with local communities to promote Indigenous Auxiliary Firefighter recruitment opportunities.

During the reporting period, QFES’s Far Northern region raised awareness on National Talkback Radio 99.7FM regarding employment and volunteering opportunities and Central region promoted employment and volunteering at public educational demonstrations.

QPS PLOs and TSIPSOs as part of their daily duties, liaise with various community groups including culturally diverse and vulnerable communities, contributing to the broader social cohesion strategy.

The QPS also supports a variety of inter-agency meetings to establish collaborative partnerships between government and


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Responsible Area

diverse workforce

set the direction on policies and procedures in regard to inclusion, anti-discrimination, sexual harassment, workplace bullying or structural barriers faced by an individual or a staff grouping.

QFES and the QPS are working on individual inclusion plans and strategies with the assistance of the PSBA and work is progressing on a portfolio-wide approach.

Rural Fire Service Queensland, within QFES, has appointed a Brigade Training and Support Officer, located in the Torres Strait, to work closely with Indigenous volunteers and engage with local communities and Elders.

The QPS engages with communities at a local level through a combination of sworn officers, PLOs and TSIPSOs. The positive role modelling of PLOs and TSIPSOs enhances police and community partnerships.

The QPS uses appropriate referral pathways to link clients, including those with special needs, from remote Indigenous community areas to relevant support agencies. In turn this empowers the community to seek culturally appropriate solutions to address local issues. These activities assist the QPS to be more effective by improving client services,

non-government agencies to provide and deliver services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The QPS is an active participant of statewide and regionally based Indigenous Reference groups, Police Advisory Groups and multicultural advisory forums, all of whom focus upon ensuring equitable and facilitated access to policing services to all community members, regardless of vulnerability or disability.

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Responsible Area

preventing or reducing crime and maintaining community partnerships.

QPS district recruiting officers actively promote employment opportunities by providing information and support to interested people.

In regional areas the QPS is facilitating various programs for people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and other groups. These programs include:

Surfing to Success – facilitating potential employment for youth at risk of offending

Braking the Cycle Program – assisting disadvantaged youth with improved employment skills and in obtaining a driver’s licence

Chain Reaction Program – bicycle education program targeting disadvantaged young people and refugees with a focus on road-safety.

In addition, Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYCs), a non-government, not-for-profit, charitable organisation, provide appropriate, affordable and accessible youth development programs and services to support young people in making positive life choices. PCYCs

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Responsible Area

are involved in various programs aimed to facilitate potential employment streams and in some districts also promote sporting and recreation programs to enable people with disabilities to interact and gain confidence. Every PCYC is managed by a QPS Sergeant as its Branch Manager.

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Priority 6 Enhance mainstream services and facilities to enable genuine choice and participation in areas including education, employment, health, justice services and housing.

Strategy 6.3 Promote employment of people with disability in all industries and sectors.




Responsible Area

6.3.1 Continually review and support the recruitment, retention and career options across the PSP agencies for people with a disability.

Develop a Guide for Supporting Employees with a Disability.

Recruitment selection panels are informed of their requirements to consider the need of applicants with a disability through the recruitment and selection policies.

A guide to support employees with a disability will be prepared and published by 30 June 2016.

Regular contact is maintained with managers/selection panels to ensure that practices support equal opportunity for persons with a disability.

PSP agencies

6.3.2 Review recruitment and selection practices in relation to senior and board appointments to ensure that barriers to the recruitment of qualified people with a disability are removed, wherever reasonable.

Specific learning events to be designed and delivered.

Recruitment and selection practices across the PSP have been reviewed and are devoid of any practices which would disadvantage or impose barriers to qualified people with a disability.

Regular contact is maintained with managers/selection panels to ensure that practices support equal opportunity for persons with a disability.

PSP agencies

6.3.3 Skill PSP agency leaders and managers in effective people leadership of people with a disability.

Specific learning events designed and delivered.

Management and leadership development training/courses across the PSP are underpinned with a focus on:

leading and managing all persons with fairness, professionalism and integrity

making reasonable adjustments to suit persons with a disability as required.

All training and development activities are regularly evaluated and updated to meet

Regular feedback is sought and received from various stakeholders to support continuous improvement of training and development activities.

PSP agencies

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Strategy 6.3 Promote employment of people with disability in all industries and sectors.




Responsible Area

current and future needs of stakeholders and to ensure compliance with legislation.

6.3.4 Provide induction materials which incorporate information on diversity (including people with a disability) and raises awareness of discrimination and harassment.

Specific learning events to be designed and delivered.

The Onboarding with the Public Safety Business Agency document contains the PSBA’s values and highlights the executive commitment to diversity within the agency.

The PSBA Induction: A guide for new employees contains sections on Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, Behaviour in the Workplace, and Disability Support. The guide also provides links to the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland website, Human Support Officers and Peer Support Officers.

All new employees receive a copy of the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service. In addition, the PSBA’s face to face Corporate Induction includes sessions on Cultural Awareness, Diversity and Inclusion, PSBA Values and Code of Conduct.

Work is being finalised on equivalent new employee documentation for QPS and QFES public service staff.

Comprehensive discussions were held with key stakeholders regarding the content of the induction materials and the Corporate Induction Program.

PSP agencies

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Strategy 6.5 Strengthen safeguards and enable equal and effective access to the justice system as victims or offenders.




Responsible Area

6.5.1 Continue to deliver and evaluate current training programs that support PSP officers to identify people with disabilities, to use a range of communication techniques and diversionary strategies.

Disability related training programs are constantly being reviewed.

Disability related training programs throughout the PSP are currently being reviewed with the assistance of the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, DSQ, Vision Australia and a number of other disability focused non-government organisations.

All PSP training material is underpinned with being inclusive, understanding and supportive with content that aligns with the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service and the Queensland Public Service values with a specific focus on delivering public safety services based on fairness and with integrity.

All training and development activities are regularly evaluated and updated to meet current and future needs of stakeholders and to ensure compliance with legislation.

Regular feedback is sought and received from stakeholders which assists with continuous improvement.

PSP agencies

6.5.2 Ensure all communications centre officers and emergency dispatchers are familiar with the procedures related to the emergency telephone services and procedures provided under the National Relay Service (NRS). The NRS is an Australia-wide access service, providing people with a hearing or speech impairment and consumers who are deaf, with a service having the

Training on process and procedures are constantly being reviewed.

PSP communications centre officers and emergency dispatchers are trained in the procedures related to the emergency telephone services and procedures provided under the NRS.

In addition, QFES provides a core skills program every 12 months to refresh processes, procedures and requirements to enable communication officers to assist callers.

Fire communication centres also participated in the 2015 Hearing Awareness Week (August 2015) with posters and materials provided to communications staff to further

PSP agencies

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Responsible Area

functionality of the Triple Zero (000) emergency service. It is accessible by Teletypewriter, internet relay, Voice Carry Over and Hearing Carry Over.

enhance the QFES response to callers with a hearing impairment.

Communication recruit courses also cover callers with special requirements as part of the Certificate III in Emergency Communications Centre Operations.

6.5.3 Continue to ensure community safety programs, educational programs, information and publications are accessible and address the needs of people with a disability, their family, carers and friends.

Attendance at disability events.

A positive partnership and working relationship developed with DSQ during 2014-15 ensures hearing-impaired Queenslanders and visitors to Queensland have access to fire and severe weather safety information. The partnership enables interpreters to be available at emergency announcements and broadcasts to inform hearing-impaired people about severe weather events and enable them to make swift and important decisions about their own situation and circumstances.

In 2014-15 QFES also partnered with DSQ to produce a ‘Facebook campaign’ (Don’t be a ‘Fool#SignGuy’) targeting the deaf and hearing impaired community. The campaign leveraged off the profile of ‘The Sign Guy’ Mark Cave, a DSQ Auslan interpreter who gained a significant social media following for his work as an interpreter during media conferences related to Tropical Cyclone Marcia (February 2015). The campaign focused on encouraging the deaf and hearing impaired

The QFES North Coast region supported the Bundaberg Regional Council Resilience Team to develop, in liaison with State Government, a resource Tips for those with a Hearing Impairment in an Emergency.

The QPS coordinate the delivery of crime prevention programs including home and business security and personal, road and cyber safety. Its crime prevention network comprises District Crime Prevention Officers, Station Community Crime Prevention Officers, School Based Police Officers, Adopt a Cops, Volunteers in Policing and local Neighbourhood Watch groups.

PSP agencies

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Responsible Area

community to change their smoke alarm batteries on 1 April as part of the Don’t Be a Fool, Change Your Smoke Alarm campaign.

Liaison with Vision Australia has commenced with a view to translating select resources such as the Get Ready Guide, into alternative formats (i.e. braille and audio).

QFES continues to support local community programs to increase resources for hearing impaired members of the community.

QPS recognises the value of community interaction and engagement to stop crime and make Queensland safer.

In accordance with the QPS Language Services Strategy, sign language interpretation services are employed at times of severe weather events in conjunction with partner emergency services (QFES). DSQ has partnered with the QPS by providing hearing impaired translation services during live streaming press conferences that are relayed in real time to the general public.

Deaf and hearing impaired persons can send Policelink an SMS text message on 0437 131 444 or email [email protected]. This service

The QPS actively engages community members with disabilities and their families and carers through organised events during Disability Action Week, safety presentations to disability service providers such as Endeavour Foundation, Multicap, Qual time Association Inc and Guide Dogs Queensland and the appointment of Adopt a Cops at special and flexi schools and Real Living Options facilities.

mailto:[email protected]

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Responsible Area

is for non-urgent matters only and has been developed with the assistance of DSQ.

Vision impaired persons in Queensland can contact the QPS Policelink to verify the identification of police officers by sending Policelink an SMS text message on 0437 131 444 or email [email protected]. This service was developed with the assistance of Vision Australia.

6.5.4 District and divisional strategic planning, governance structures and policy frameworks are developed to better raise awareness around DSP implementation and the role in supporting people with a disability.

Monitoring of planning process.

PSBA is working to implement recommended standards and embrace the direction set by the PSBA Inclusion Taskforce and contribute to the National Disability Agreement. Where applicable, similar activities will be undertaken by other portfolio agencies.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Strategic Plan 2015-2019 contains an objective which states We will be an organisation which is ethical, inclusive, values diversity and is respectful of each other. QFES continues to develop strategies to achieve this objective and to assess its performance in this area.

The QFES’s regions work with local agencies to promote QFES services and to identify potential community risks.

QFES Central region attended Regional Interagency Meetings to work with other community services on this issue.

The QPS Operational Performance Unit engages with regions and commands to ensure cascading plans are aligned with the objectives of the strategic plan. Strategic planning presentations are delivered to Senior Sergeants to ensure divisional and individual plans reflect the organisational objective of delivering services with fairness and integrity. The

PSP agencies

mailto:[email protected]

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Responsible Area

Delivering services with fairness and integrity is a key objective within the Queensland Police Service Strategic Plan 2015-2019. The QPS Guide to Strategic and Operational Planning and Operational Risk Management requires planning to cascade down to district and divisional plans and individual performance development agreements. Individual performance agreements are also guided by the QPS Individual Capability Profile which requires members to treat people with respect, courtesy and dignity and maintain an awareness of personalities and motivations of a diverse range of people. Improving responses to vulnerable persons remains a key focus of the QPS. This is achieved in part through the Divisional Performance Model which ensures operational business strategies and subsequent activities are aligned to and measured against organisational, strategic and operational imperatives.

Regional Operations Performance Review Strategy will replace the Divisional Performance Model and will be embedded into the Operational Procedures Manual. Exceptions, trends, emerging issues, innovation and good practice and other themes and issues (particularly organisational priorities) will be captured in the new strategy.

6.5.5 Support to be provided to a person with a disability who wishes to lodge a complaint under the complaints management system, or makes an application under the Right to Information Act 2009 or

Awareness training provided to officers who have this role.

Right to Information and Information Privacy Applications - Upon request, PSBA, on behalf of the portfolio, ensures documents are provided in a searchable text format to assist disabled applicants.

Complaints - The PSBA and QPS websites include information regarding teletype services

PSP agencies

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Responsible Area

the Information Privacy Act 2009.

and how to contact the relevant ethical standards unit to make a complaint about an action or decision made by the QPS, PSBA, QFES or Office of the IGEM via email or telephone using teletype services (http://www.psba.qld.gov.au/contacts/complaints/Pages/default.aspx or https://www.police.qld.gov.au/online/ComplimentsandComplaints.htm).

(The PSBA Ethical Standards Unit manages complaints for PSBA; QFES and the Office of the IGEM while the QPS Ethical Standards Command manages complaints for QPS.)

6.5.6 Establish links with PSP and disability service providers and organisations to enable PSP to work with complainants, victims and offenders with disabilities.

Support community engagement and identify good practice.

The QPS utilises an electronic referral management system which allows victims and vulnerable persons to be referred to appropriate support services to best meet their needs.

PSP agencies

http://www.psba.qld.gov.au/contacts/complaints/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.psba.qld.gov.au/contacts/complaints/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/online/ComplimentsandComplaints.htm

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/online/ComplimentsandComplaints.htm

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Strategy 6.6 Improve the range and affordability of housing choices and promote awareness of universal design.

NDS Outcome Area Policy Outcome 1: Inclusive and accessible communities.



Responsible Area

6.6.1 PSP will continue to audit, program, lease, construct and make refurbishments to buildings in compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and its provisions pertaining to disability access to and within buildings.


The PSP Capital Works Program Development, Program Delivery, Maintenance Programs and Property Leasing are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislative requirements including the BCA.

Consultation and advice is ongoing between PSBA and portfolio agencies in regards to the application of the BCA to operational master planning.

PSP agencies

6.6.2 Ensure PSP facilities management staff are conversant in the building requirements, under the disability provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010.


PSBA facilities management staff are conversant with the requirements of relevant legislation, including Standards and Regulations, as applicable to facilities management.

Liaison is ongoing between PSBA staff and portfolio agencies relating to requirements under the BCA and Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 for planned Medium and Minor Capital Works.

PSP agencies

6.6.3 PSP will modify or adjust workplaces to fit the particular needs of people with a disability in accordance with the former Department of Community Safety (DCS) Disability Discrimination Prevention (including Reasonable


PSBA incorporates the requirements of the former DCS Disability Discrimination Prevention (including Reasonable Adjustment) Policy and Procedure across the portfolio as applicable to facilities management.

The PSP agencies are consulted and advised regularly in regards to divisional strategic planning and governance structures and application of the former DCS Policy and Procedure to facilities management and

PSP agencies

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Strategy 6.6 Improve the range and affordability of housing choices and promote awareness of universal design.




Responsible Area

Adjustment) Policy and Procedure.

planned and unplanned accommodation requirements.

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Priority 7 Promote genuine participation in the community.

Strategy 7.3 Provide government and public information in diverse languages and accessible formats, including formats that best meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.




Responsible Area

7.3.1 Ensure website and on-line applications comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 specified in the Queensland Government Enterprise Architecture Information Standard 26.

Audit of information technology systems to ensure compliance.

The PSBA Information and Data Services web team applies the whole-of-government Consistent User Experience Standard and template across the portfolio agencies’ internet sites. The PSBA web team is cognisant of conforming to the requirements outlined in the Queensland Government Enterprise Architecture Information Standard 26.

Frontline and Digital Services, PSBA

7.3.2 Develop and publish content on the departments’ web and social media sites (e.g. Facebook) in a format compatible with and accessible by screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Audit of information technology systems to ensure compliance.

The PSP’s Media Unit develops and publishes content on portfolio agencies’ web and social media sites in a format compatible with and accessible by screen readers and other assistive technologies. The Media Unit has a strong online focus managing a network of public-facing websites and social media channels including the QPS Facebook page which is one of the largest in law enforcement worldwide.

The PSP agencies’ internet sites are compatible for screen readers and other assistive technologies. Agencies’ internet sites are designed using the whole-of-government Consistent User Experience Standard and template.

Frontline and Digital Services, PSBA

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Responsible Area

7.3.3 Maintain support of Disability Online www.qld.gov.au/disability to include information on inclusion, access, anti-discrimination, relevant legislation, disability services, technology innovations, aids, equipment and assistive technology, networking opportunities and community engagement that has expansive coverage and relevance across Queensland.

Maintain and update existing content.

The PSP was not required to contribute to the disability online website during the reporting period.

QFES and QPS

7.3.4 Engagement of interpreter services (where appropriate) is undertaken throughout all levels of the department.

Information is easily accessible to employees on how to engage interpreters.

Check of information to be conducted to ensure availability.

The Queensland Language Services Policy reflects the Queensland Government’s commitment to the development of whole-of-government communication strategies that address language barriers. The policy incorporates Auslan with the aim to enhance access to interpreters and translated information to improve access to the full range of government and government-funded services for people requiring language support.

The PSBA Language Services information sheet provides guidance for employees should a qualified interpreter be required for a client.

QFES’s North Coast region used interpreters for people who are hearing impaired during Maryborough’s the Bureau of Meteorology Weather Forecast in November 2015.

QFES and QPS

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Responsible Area

The policy incudes information such as when are language services needed; and how to access language services. The PSBA utilises the services of the Commonwealth Translating and Interpreting Service, DSQ and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

A positive partnership and working relationship has been developed between QFES and DSQ. This strong working relationship ensures hearing impaired people have access to fire and severe weather safety information. The partnership enables interpreters to be available at emergency announcements and broadcasts to inform hearing impaired Queenslanders and visitors to Queensland about severe weather events and to enable them to make swift and important decisions about their own situation and circumstances.

The QPS Language Services Strategy is a detailed language services framework which encompasses guiding principles and strategies. It also contains strategies for engaging communities and working collaboratively to provide policing services; meeting the communication needs of the community; providing appropriate education and training for QPS members and encouraging the development and use of the

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Responsible Area

multi-lingual and sign language skills and resources within QPS to enhance service delivery.

The use of interpreters and translators accredited by National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) Ltd is required when investigating criminal offences, complex legal matters and during court proceedings

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/corporatedocs/reportsPublications/other/Documents/LangServStrat20111.pdf

7.3.5 Provide disaster management and preparedness information to stakeholders, the disability sector and the community to assist with building community preparedness.

Provide information in accessible formats.

The PSBA supports QFES and QPS with strategic asset management, information management and community recovery support to assist with building community preparedness.

The PSBA Media Branch managed a number of media and social media campaigns on behalf of QPS and QFES, to inform members of the community during crisis situations such as disaster management, including:

Disaster preparedness campaign - the campaign urged Queenslanders to prepare their homes for Queensland’s wild summer weather

QFES’s Far Northern region attended the ARC Disability Services Inc. Open Day which was held in conjunction with Cairns Regional Council. Messages communicated to attendees included information about Disaster Preparedness, Home Fire Safety and PREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE. Further education sessions were held in December 2015.

QFES regions actively promote Emergency REDiPlan which is designed to assist people with a disability to

QFES and QPS




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Responsible Area

PREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE - the campaign enables residents to prepare for the bushfire season and equips them with the knowledge they need to take appropriate action to survive during a bushfire.

QFES and the Red Cross developed and published the Emergency REDiPlan which is designed to assist people with a disability to prepare for an emergency. This book is also produced in Auslan to make it accessible to people with a hearing impairment.

In addition QFES:

has started to work with Vision Australia to translate selected resources such as the Get Ready guide, into alternative formats such as braille and audio

provides Auslan interpreters when broadcasting severe weather storm safety information

uses the NRS to assist callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment and who are contacting the agency through 13 QGOV or the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation’s ‘One-Stop Shop’

prepare for an emergency. The resource is distributed through community engagement activities and local social services providers

QFES North Coast region distributes the Tips for those with a Hearing Impairment in an Emergency to those in the community requiring this information and also provides copies to local social services providers.

QFES Central region holds an annual Emergency Services Day. This event is designed to increase community resilience by engaging with the local community and communicating the Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery messages.

The Fire Safety for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People DVD is distributed by QFES to attendees at educational displays targeting seniors. QFES also provided Ozcare

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Responsible Area

supported community events with displays promoting fire and severe weather safety and conducted community engagement activities.

The QPS through its disaster management framework works collaboratively with local government, state government agencies and non-government organisations to develop localised disaster preparedness programs to enhance resilience within the disability sector. This includes establishing and/or enhancing disability services support networks to provide education and disaster planning programs at individual and group levels. The aim of these programs is to develop individual disaster preparedness capabilities of disabled persons in order to reduce vulnerability and build resilience. Additionally, the QPS, in partnership with its stakeholders, is currently identifying further mechanisms to improve disaster management practices and policies across all levels of government with a view to improving disaster planning and preparedness for not only the disability services but for all potentially vulnerable services.

QPS Media utilises its social media channels and blog site to link to resources available at http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/ and

with Senior and Safer booklets each year for distribution to their clients.

QPS officers are members of a working party chaired by DCCSDS for the Queensland Disaster Management Vulnerability Project. The project delivers on Recommendation 3 of the Review of cyclone and storm tide sheltering arrangements Report 3: 2014-15: A state-wide strategy, including a common definition, is developed for identifying and engaging vulnerable people in emergencies.

https://www.igem.qld.gov.au/reports-and-publications/documents/Review-of-Cyclone-and-Storm-Tide-Sheltering-Arrangements.pdf

http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/

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Responsible Area

http://www.qldalert.com/ including Emergency REDiPlan.

QPS social media also has the capability to promote safety messages of portfolio agencies to a vast audience in time critical situations.

http://www.qldalert.com/

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Strategy 7.5 Promote and provide access to communication and assistive technologies that are appropriate and affordable.




Responsible Area

7.5.1 PSP will continue to provide funding to an approved non-government service provider to provide deaf and hearing impaired people with access to a subsidy scheme, to enable the purchase of special smoke alarm systems that meet their specific needs.

Funding provided to Deaf Services Queensland to fund the scheme.

QFES continued to provide funding to DSQ during the reporting period for the management of the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme.

Specialty smoke alarms for deaf or hearing impaired people can cost more than $400. Under the scheme, the applicant pays $50 with the balance of the cost covered by the funding supplied by QFES.

QFES

7.5.2 Publish the PSP Disability Service Plan on the agencies’ internet including feedback, evaluation and reporting methodology, and undertaking updates as required for the duration of the plan.

Plan to be published when completed.

In accordance with the Disability Services Act 2006, the PSP developed and implemented a Disability Service Plan which aligns with the Government’s Queensland Disability Plan 2014-19: Enabling choices and opportunities.

The PSP Disability Service Plan and progress reports are available at:

www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/reform-and-renewal/disability-services/queensland-government-disability-plans/queensland-government-disability-service-plans

QFES and QPS

http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/reform-and-renewal/disability-services/queensland-government-disability-plans/queensland-government-disability-service-plans




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Other actions (e.g. policies and procedures; complaints mechanisms; staff attitudes and awareness raising; access to buildings; information and communication; and recruitment and retention).


Products/Activities Progress/Achievements

Stakeholder

Engagement

Responsible Area

Promote and participate in signature events that raise public awareness of the contributions of people with a disability and increase awareness and understanding.

PSP will take part in identified events which highlights the contribution of people with a disability.

QFES and QPS undertake a range of promotional activities and have a strong presence at key community events.

QFES also undertook a Disaster Preparedness and Home Fire Safety presentation/interview via media (including radio and television) which incorporated messaging about the importance of looking out for people with a disability and vulnerable people.

QFES and QPS

QFES will continue to deliver the Special Fire Ed educational package which educates children in the key aspects of fire safety and evacuation. This Special Fire Ed package incorporates the Fire Sign Ed educational package and contains information on specialised smoke alarms for people with a hearing impairment (including the profoundly deaf) and additional information for families and carers.

Ongoing QFES continued to deliver the Special Fire Ed educational package which educates children in the key aspects of fire safety and evacuation. This package incorporates information on specialised smoke alarms for people with a hearing impairment (including the profoundly deaf) and additional information for families and carers.

QFES

QFES will continue to deliver the community education program Safehome which

Ongoing QFES continued to deliver the community education program Safehome which incorporates information for people with a disability to support them in increasing fire and

QFES’s Far Northern Region continued to conduct Safehome visits and to deliver Fire Education to school-aged

QFES

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Other actions (e.g. policies and procedures; complaints mechanisms; staff attitudes and awareness raising; access to buildings; information and communication; and recruitment and retention).


Products/Activities Progress/Achievements

Stakeholder

Engagement

Responsible Area

incorporates information for people with a disability. FireAble is a research project which has been developed to enhance the Safehome program and enable operational firefighters to provide advice and assistance to people with a disability, increasing fire and general safety measures in their homes.

general safety measures in their homes.

students and children under five.

In addition, QFES’s Central Region conducted the Home Carers Safehome pilot (planning phase) in Rockhampton Regional Council and the Livingstone Shire Council areas. The pilot project is designed to educate carers when visiting clients’ homes to recognise fire safety issues and inform the clients about the Safehome program. The program targets people caring for members of the community who are over 85 years of age.