Queensland disaster and emergency management
The Queensland Government is delivering the largest change to the state’s disaster and emergency management system in years. This significant body of work will ensure emergency services personnel and volunteers are best placed to continue delivering a world-class response to Queenslanders.
Disaster season 2024
Nothing about the way communities approach disasters is changing.
There is a commitment to no degradation of services as changes take place.
The way those services are delivered today, will remain the same tomorrow.
Importantly, disaster management remains locally led.
Changes underway
Select the tiles below to learn how the reforms may affect your agency and about the benefits to come.
About the Reform Implementation Taskforce
The Government has authorised and funded a team of experts from across emergency services agencies to form a Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT). Assistant Commissioner Marcus Hill, is heading the Taskforce. Steve Gollschewski, the Special Coordinator Police and Emergency Services Reform is leading a broader reform program that includes these reforms.
The Taskforce is closely collaborating with all stakeholders across state and local governments to ensure a measured, consistent, and cohesive implementation of the changes.
Dedicated budgets will boost resourcing across Queensland with the reform bringing an uplift of almost 500 full-time emergency services personnel. This will ensure Queenslanders continue to be supported when they need it most. The reform will:
- establish a new Queensland Fire Department.
- establish a new entity, Marine Rescue Queensland, which will bring together coast guard and marine rescue activities.
- expand the Queensland Police Service to incorporate additional disaster management functions, including the State Emergency Service and the soon-to-be-established Marine Rescue Queensland. These organisations will have their own respected identities, procedures and uniforms.
- boost capability and capacity for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to improve resilience.
Background
In July 2021, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and its associated volunteer services. The goal of the review was to ensure long-term sustainability of emergency services for Queenslanders. This included assessing the existing scope, functions and suitability of the QFES structure, and its funding arrangements.
Multiple recommendations made by the review have been accepted in principle by the State Government to address function, structure, culture, efficiency, funding, and sustainability. The reforms will be implemented by 30 June 2024. These changes will see the adoption of modern methods in the delivery of service arrangements, operational structures streamlined and resources better focussed.