Our Policies and Procedures

Queensland Ambulance Service

• The QAS Business Improvement Review (BIR) Policy and Management Procedures* provides an overview of a control self assessment process that is applied through all levels of the QAS.   It provides station Officers-in-Charge (OICs), Regional Office and Central Office Business Unit Managers with relevant data that can be used in decision making.  Using a risk management model of assessing and prioritising critical data helps staff to understand where potential risks lie and the impact the risk has on QAS service delivery.

• The QAS Business Continuity Management Policy and Management Procedures* is designed to establish the governance arrangements and to provide guidance on applying the business continuity management and planning process within the Queensland Ambulance Service. 

• The QAS Honours and Awards Code of Practice* provides details of the Honours and Awards available, the criteria for awards and the procedures and administrative arrangements for managing honours and awards within the Queensland Ambulance Service. 

• The QAS Driver Review Panels Code of Practice* establishes the policy and arrangements for the operation of Driver Review Panels within the Queensland Ambulance Service.  Driver Review Panels provide a system of review for certain incidents involving the use and maintenance of Service owned and operated vehicles and driver conduct in specified circumstances. 

• The aim of the QAS Community First Responder Policy* is to establish and disseminate the strategic operating and policy framework governing the Queensland Ambulance Service First Responder Program. 

• The LAC Handbook* is published by the Queensland Local Ambulance Committee Advisory Council and the Queensland Ambulance Service as a guide for Local Ambulance Committees and for the information of QAS staff, especially Officers-In-Charge and Area Directors.  It provides information and guidance on procedural and other functional aspects of the operations of Local Ambulance Committees. 

• The purpose of Regional Performance Review (RPR) Code of Practice* and Operational Guidelines* is to establish and document the Regional Performance Review (RPR) process within the QAS.

• The purpose of the Vehicle Code of Practice* is to specify the driving and operating standards and requirements of the Queensland Ambulance Service vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.

• The QAS Special Events Code of Practice* and QAS Special Events Operational Guidelines* are designed to provide effective management of QAS attendance and operations at community based special events contributing to efficient consistent management of QAS services to the community.

• The purpose of the QAS Operational Policy Framework Code of Practice* is to document the QAS Operational Policy Framework in order to ensure a common understanding of the authority of the QAS document types and the implementation of a standardised process for the development, publishing, review, release and retention of documents within the QAS.

• The purpose of the e-Timesheet Policy* is to provide QAS employees with clear direction to enable the correct completion and submission of timesheets and managers to fulfil their obligations relating to validation, approval, authorisation and audit.

• The purpose of the QAS Audit Management Policy* is to establish the policy on the management of the QAS audit issues.  This document outlines the key roles and responsibilities and the separation between the Internal Audit Unit, Governance and Management Services Unit and audit issue owners.

• The purpose of the QAS Audit Management Procedure* is to provide information on the procedures relating to the management and administration of audit issues and recommendations directed to QAS through the DCS Internal Audit process, and, to ensure consistency in procedures across QAS regions and central office business units in that regard.

• The purpose of the QAS Debt Management Policy* is to establish the policy of the management of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) debt and provide the framework for the initiation of invoices for services provided by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

• The QAS Debt Management Procedure – Patient Transports and Special Events* provides the framework for the initiation of invoices for services provided by QAS. When it is recognised that QAS has provided a service and is entitled to be paid for that service, and invoice must be raised.

Queensland Corrective Services

The following links detail the current written protocols, policies and procedures that relate to Corrective Services' roles and functions.

• The Accountability Procedures* relate to functions aligned with the accountability arm of the department.
  
  
• The Offender Management Procedures relate to the management of an offender whilst either in secure custody or on a community-based order.
  
  
• The Safety and Security Procedures relate to the management within a corrective services facility.
  
  
• Support Services Procedures include processes for staff with regard to finance and human resource management within the department.  It also provides for general procedures relating to other areas of the department not specifically referred to elsewhere.
  
  
• The Media Access and Public Speaking Engagements Procedure was designed and implemented in order to provide a process for the evaluation of requests from media representatives and organisations seeking access to corrective services facilities, offenders and employees of the department.
  
  
• The Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (DPSOA) was introduced by the Queensland Government following the release from prison an untreated child sex offender.  QCS designed the Supervising DPSOA Offenders in the Community* document which outlines the strategies in place with regard to the management of these offenders.
  
  
• The development of two major documents - the Social Responsibility Charter* and Delivering Justice* - Improving Corrections - have been major advances towards our goal of being the best correctional services provider by 2014.

Emergency Management Queensland

The Queensland Disaster Management system is founded in the Disaster Management Act 2003 and focuses on Effective Disaster Management through:

• Leading, coordinating and assessing performance of planning and exercising for those activities necessary  before, during and after a disaster or major, multi-response emergency;
  
  
• The provision of disaster management training, community based disaster awareness and mitigation services;
  
  
• Coordination of the state disaster management system and state disaster response management; and
  
  
• Disaster mitigation and administration of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

The disaster management system delivers planning, operational doctrine, training and exercise programs, policy, advice and coordination of operational response during events and disasters. Organisational capability and capacity must continue to be assessed in terms of a changing risk profile, policy environment and community expectations.

Volunteer Management

• The SES Equipment* web page consolidates all information relating to SES equipment including the Equipment Catalogue, Equipment Updates, Equipment Bulletins and Equipment DUCOTS.
  
  
• The SES Operations Doctrine is a comprehensive range of operational doctrine to standardise all operational and administrative related functions of the SES and support a clearly articulated Chain of Command to augment reporting arrangements for all SES activities.
  
  
• Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Helicopter Rescue* provides a 24/7 operational response for aeromedical, air search and rescue and other emergency tasks from air bases located in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.  This service is owned and operated by the State Government.  Each base operates a state-of-the-art AgustaWestland 139 helicopter, plus EMQ Helicopter Rescue has two Bell 412 helicopters as backup aircraft to provide services to the community.
  
  
• The EMbrace Program’s mission is to enhance the psychological and emotional well-being of all volunteers within Emergency Management Queensland by providing a range of services which are outlined in these documents.
• The EMbrace Program* document outlines the scope and function of the EMbrace Program and provides information on how to access the EMbrace Program Services.
• The Peer Support Policy* outlines the scope and functions of the EMbrace Program’s Peer Support Program and provides information on how to access the services of Peer Supporters.
  
  
• The Critical Incident Management* document outlines the requirements following a Critical Incident and the Critical Incident Management response framework.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

• The QFRS Honours and Awards Rules* document provides information about the eligibility criteria and nominating procedures for honours and awards and the protocols for the wearing of medals.
  
  
• The QFRS Strategic Doctrine* – Foundations of QFRS outlines the history, mission and doctrines of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
  
  
• The QFRS Uniform Code* outlines uniform standards for various roles and occasions.  It also includes ordering procedures, sizing charts and supplier contact details.
  
  
• The QFRS Responsibility Distribution* displays the breakdown of responsibilities between Operational activities, Community Service obligations and Commercial activities undertaken by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
  
  
• The QFRS Building Investigation* process flowcharts show the workflow and process for the inspection of buildings by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service personnel.
  
  
• The QFRS Command Leadership and Management and the Role of the Firefighter* outlines the underpinning doctrine of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service – Command, Leadership and Management and how it applies to the various roles and rank responsibilities with the fire service.
  
  
• The Provision of Mutual Emergency Response Assistance Between QAS and QFRS* document outlines the mutual agreement between QAS and QFRS for the provision of emergency responses.

Corporate Support Division

The Corporate Support Division provides innovative, enabling and statewide corporate management and business services that advance the department’s corporate and operational objectives.

• Records Management
  DCS is applying the methodology and policy for public records management developed and utilised in the former Department of Emergency Services. This policy meets the compliance requirements outlined in the Public Records Act 2002 and Information Standard 40 - Recordkeeping. The primary purpose of Information Standard 40 is to help public authorities meet their record keeping obligations under the Public Records Act 2002.  The new Public Records Management Manuals are coming soon.

• The Gifts and Benefits Directive* and the Gifts and Benefits Guideline* provide guidance on the ethical considerations and procedures involved in the giving and receiving of gifts and benefits by employees and agencies of the Queensland Public Service.
  


• The State Procurement Policy* delivers benefits for Government, suppliers and the community through the commitment to three equally ranked objectives: advancing Government Priorities, seeking value for money, and purchasing with probity and accountability.


The procurement of goods, services and capital projects can account for between 20% and 80% of an agency's total expenditure. The procurement activities of the Queensland Government therefore have significant economic and budgetary implications. The framework established by the State Procurement Policy maximises the benefits of government procurement.


• The Workplace Health and Safety Policy outlines how the department aspires to achieve a ZeroHarm workplace for their employees, contractors, visitors, volunteers and the community.



• The department is committed to providing all staff with a safe and healthy work environment but in the event of a workplace injury or illness, the department ensures that rehabilitation commences as soon as possible, in accordance with all legislative obligations. This information is outlined in the Workplace Rehabilitation Policy.




• The Department of Community Safety operates under the Queensland Government’s Code of Conduct developed for all agencies by the Public Service Commission.  It is part of the Queensland Government’s Integrity Reforms and complies with amendments to the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 and the ethical principles of:

  • Integrity and impartiality
  • Promoting the public good
  • Commitment to the system of government
  • Accountability and transparency

HR Policies and Procedures

Strategic Policy Division

The Strategic Policy Division leads strategic policy, planning, advocacy and representation to champion community safety within government and the community. 

• The Strategic Policy Division maintains the department’s forward policy program that tracks strategic planning and policy development priorities, planned and underway, and an indication of key resourcing commitments.  It is a key management resource in scheduling strategic initiatives proceeding to the Minister for consideration.  The program is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to local, state and national planning agendas.
  
  
• The Strategic Policy Division is responsible for the development of the Multicultural Action Plan 2009-2013* and the Disability Service Plan 2010-11.*
  
  
• The Indigenous Priority Statement 2009-2013 is the department’s key strategy to improve the safety and security of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and to delivery innovative and flexible programs and services that meet the individual needs of communities.
  
  
• The Department’s Volunteer Management Strategy 2009-2013* supports Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland (Q2) ambition to increase by 50% the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers.  Volunteer Management Strategy 2009-13 outlines anticipated service standards, performance indicators, goals and strategies.
  
  
• The Complaints Management Policy* and Complaints Management Procedure* was implemented to provide a transparent, efficient and effective complaints handling process across the department.

Ethical Standards Unit (ESU)

The ESU is responsible for the management and/or oversight of all matters which involve alleged or suspected serious/official misconduct by DCS personnel.

• The ESU reports to the Executive Director, Ministerial, Information and Legal Services Branch and regularly liaises with all operational divisions within the department.  The branch is also available to provide advice to management and staff about ethical/integrity matters.
  
  
• The unit is the department’s primary point of liaison with the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and discharges the obligation placed on the department by the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001, which requires that all matters which may involve official misconduct must be reported to the CMC.
  
  
• The unit plays a vital role in the criminal history screening process in relation to persons seeking employment or seeking to be a volunteer with the department.
  
  
• The unit delivers training programs aimed at promoting ethical behaviour across the department and equipping managers to effectively resolve misconduct matters at the local level, where appropriate.
  
  
• The unit also manages public interest disclosures made by staff pursuant to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994, and assists with assessing and addressing the potential risks of reprisal that such staff may face.

Information Privacy

The department has developed a number of publications to support staff, volunteers and members of the community to understand the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2009.  Helpful information about privacy can be downloaded by clicking on the documents below.

• Protecting Privacy brochure*
• DCS Privacy Policy*
• DCS Privacy Plan*
• Privacy Fact Sheet*
• Protecting Privacy: a guide for volunteers*
• Volunteers Privacy Statement*

* This document is currently only available in pdf format. Should you be unable to read this please contact the Information Rights Unit. We will endeavour to meet all reasonable requests for an alternate hardcopy format of the document, free of charge.

Last updated 14 March 2013

Annual Report

Flood commission Interim Report and the Queensland Government Response

Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2009 - 2012

Disaster Management Act Review

DCS Regulatory Simplification Plan 2009-2013

An important message for all Queensland Government employees and volunteers - Commission of Inquiry

Disaster Readiness Amendment Act 2011