On-the-spot fines
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is introducing on-the-spot fines for breaches of the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 and Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 .
The on-the-spot fines system adds to the enforcement options available to the QFRS to ensure adequate fire safety standards are maintained.
As part of the new process, Fire Officers are able to issue infringement notices to building owners and occupiers who have committed breaches of fire safety.
The QFRS is responsible for the protection of people, property and the environment from fire and hazardous substance incidents, and for the rescue of persons trapped in motor vehicles, buildings and other emergency situations. This role involves a range of services including incident response; community safety; fire prevention education and advice; inspections; and investigation and prosecution aimed at enforcing compliance with fire safety legislation in both urban and rural areas.
The QFRS has, in the last decade, expanded and developed its role from a single focus re-active fire service to one that combines supervision with pro-active ‘preventative’ initiatives for community safety. An initiative to implement community education and public awareness programs has paid off with the success of this initiative evident in a dramatic reduction in loss of life and property due to structure fires - from 42 fire fatalities in the period 1994-1995 to 27 in 1998-1999.
One of the key functions of the QFRS is to inspect buildings to ensure they meet required fire safety standards in compliance with the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 (link to the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website), the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 and Building Code of Australia 90 and 96. This has effectively increased public safety and decreased the number of buildings being lost or damaged by fire.
The Childers backpacker hostel fire tragically claimed 15 lives. A review of budget accommodation throughout Queensland strongly indicated the need for a more robust enforcement regime. The introduction of an Infringement Notice system to allow "on-the-spot fines" to encourage occupiers and owners to comply with Building Fire Safety requirements became necessary. The Infringement Notices penalty system commenced on 1st December 2001 and is designed to reinforce the importance to occupiers and owners of their fire safety responsibilities.
Penalties for breaches vary according to the level and type of breach.
Click here for a list of the breaches and penalties.
Last updated 27 July 2009
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