RURAL fire services have pushed back against a government policy requiring members to carry a Blue Card, but many firefighters say they are happy to comply.
Earlier this year, existing volunteers and members were asked to submit applications before the December cutoff date, with Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford saying the government had received legal advice that Blue Card screening should be introduced for all staff and volunteers serving as firefighters or rescuers.
This was reportedly due to their duties including reducing danger to members of the public, which had legal overlap with the definition of health service providers in the Working With Children Act.
Many QFES staff and volunteers also worked with children and young people as part of their duties, including at community events.
The Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland has criticised the requirement - part of the government's No Card, No Start policy - and sought the same exemption that applies for ambulance officers.
RFBAQ said it could see nearly 90 per cent of the 22,000 Rural Fire Brigade members sacked if they did not apply for a Blue Card.
"Many Rural Fire Brigade members are very distraught regarding this process and have dug their heels in as they do not see the need for a Blue Card nor do they see themselves or their brigade as a health service provider," RFBAQ said.
"The overwhelming majority of the brigade membership do not see that this as a requirement, rather a matter of choice."
Mr Crawford said he made no apologies for requiring blue cards for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
"We hold the highest standard for the men and women on the state's front line because we have to," he said.
"QFES is working proactively to support its workforce, its volunteers and its staff in making their applications. QFES has more than 30,000 frontline staff with about one-third having already applied for their blue card. I know for the vast majority of QFES staff there will be no objection to the blue card.
"I know it will go some way to help recruit young volunteers, particularly in rural areas.
"I have filled out the blue card form myself. It is not hard - it only takes a couple of minutes - but the message it sends is significant. Parents teach their children to trust men and women in uniform. This requirement ensures we meet this community standard."
Jimboomba Fire and Rescue captain Jason Hall said he would not comment on whether he agreed with the policy but said all members at Jimboomba Fire and Rescue station held Blue Cards, and had done even back in the days of the rural component being at the station.
The station became a dedicated urban service last year, before which a rural fire brigade had operated there.
On social media, some members and volunteers questioned RFBAQ's hardline stance against the policy, saying the organisation was overcooking the issue and asking what the damage would be to members for obtaining a Blue Card.