Honouring Two Outstanding Union Leaders – Celebrating the Service of John Oliver and Wayne McLean
On 30 July 2026, the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union marks the end of an era as both State Secretary John Oliver and State President Wayne McLean retire from their respective positions.
Together, John and Wayne have provided decades of leadership, advocacy and commitment to the Union and its members. Their dedication has helped shape the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union into the strong, respected and member-focused organisation it is today.
Twenty six years on the State Committee of Management including 16 years as General Secretary
In March 2010, John was elected Acting State Secretary before being elected State Secretary on 7 July 2010. Since then, he has been consistently re-elected by members, including being returned unopposed on multiple occasions which demonstrated the confidence and trust the membership placed in his leadership.
For more than sixteen years as State Secretary, John successfully led numerous enterprise bargaining campaigns and industrial negotiations that delivered significant improvements to members’ wages, conditions and workplace protections. His calm, determined and principled approach ensured members’ interests remained at the centre of every negotiation.
One of the many achievements of John’s leadership was the successful campaign to end the widespread reliance on temporary firefighters performing contracted operational roles. For many years, firefighters faced uncertainty through extended periods of temporary employment despite filling ongoing operational positions. John recognised that this practice was unfair to members and also posed risks to the long-term stability, experience and capability of the permanent workforce. Through persistent industrial advocacy and negotiations with government, the Union secured the conversion of hundreds of temporary firefighter roles into permanent positions. This landmark achievement provided greater job security for members and their families while strengthening Queensland’s operational firefighting capability and creating a safer, more stable workforce. Many of the new firefighters today were employed for this reason.
Equally significant was John’s leadership in securing presumptive workers’ compensation legislation for occupational cancers suffered by firefighters. This landmark reform recognised the overwhelming scientific evidence linking firefighting with an increased risk of developing a range of occupational cancers due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic substances and hazardous contaminants throughout a firefighter’s career. Prior to these reforms, firefighters often faced lengthy and distressing legal processes to prove their illness was work-related. Through years of determined advocacy, John secured legislation through the bipartisan support of both ALP and LNP governments to change the legislation that shifted that burden, ensuring firefighters diagnosed with prescribed occupational cancers could access compensation and support more fairly and with the dignity they deserved. This achievement remains one of the most important health and safety reforms ever secured for Queensland firefighters and will continue protecting members and their families for generations.
Throughout his leadership, John developed strong professional relationships with governments, departmental executives, emergency service leaders, interstate unions and the broader trade union movement. While always prepared to challenge decisions affecting members, he earned widespread respect for his integrity and professionalism.
Recognition of Outstanding Service
In recognition of his exceptional contribution, the State Committee of Management awarded John Life Membership of the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union in 2024. This honour acknowledged more than two decades of outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the Union and its members.
The achievements of John’s leadership are measured not only by industrial agreements and organisational growth, but by the lives and careers that have been improved through permanent employment, safer workplaces, stronger legal protections and the recognition of the unique risks we face as firefighters.
John leaves behind a stronger Union than the one he inherited, one that is financially secure, highly respected, professionally recognised and well equipped to continue advocating for Queensland’s professional firefighters for many years to come.
Thank You, Wayne McLean
On 30 July 2026, the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union will also farewell our State President, Wayne McLean, as he retires after many years of dedicated service to both the Union and the Queensland Fire Department.
Wayne’s Union leadership began in 2008 when he was elected Brisbane North Branch Secretary. He was continually re-elected to this position over the following eighteen years, reflecting the confidence members placed in his leadership and his unwavering commitment to representing firefighters at the local level. His willingness to listen to members, address workplace issues and advocate strongly on their behalf laid the foundation for his future leadership within the Union.
In May 2018, Wayne was elected State President of the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union. Over the past eight years, he has provided strong and steady leadership to the Committee of Management, helping guide the Union through significant industrial campaigns, organisational change and continued advocacy for professional firefighters across Queensland.
Working alongside State Secretary John Oliver, Wayne formed one of the most stable and effective leadership partnerships in the Union’s modern history. Together, they led the Union through a period of significant reform, ensuring the organisation remained united, financially strong and focused on delivering real outcomes for members.
In addition to his role as State President, Wayne continued serving as Brisbane North Branch Secretary until 2026, when he chose not to seek re-election. His simultaneous service at both branch and state level demonstrated his belief that effective leadership begins by remaining connected to members and understanding the issues they face in the workplace.
On Behalf of the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union
On behalf of the Committee of Management, Branch Officials, staff and every member of the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union, we extend our sincere thanks to both John and Wayne for their outstanding service and unwavering commitment to Queensland professional firefighters.
Looking Ahead
Following John’s retirement on 30 July 2026, the Committee of Management has appointed an Interim Secretary and an Interim President in accordance with the Union’s Rules to ensure the continued operation of the Union until the position is substantively filled via elections for these positions.
We welcome Interim General Secretary Richard McCluskey and Interim State President Phil Paff.
Authorised by State Committee of Management, Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union, Industrial Union of Employees
