A new era in Queensland’s disaster and emergency management began on 3 June 2024 as some of the most significant changes to how the state responds to natural disasters and emergencies takes effect.
The State Emergency Service (SES) was formally established with its own legislation, the State Emergency Service Act 2024, its own operating budget, staff and volunteers, along with its first dedicated Chief Officer, Mark Armstrong.
And for the first time, Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) was established as the state’s first integrated marine rescue service, with Tony Wulff as Chief Officer, under new legislation, Marine Rescue Queensland Act 2024.
The services are hosted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
This change marks the transition of SES from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to QPS under the Disaster and Emergency Management portfolio.
It builds on the existing relationships across the two services and enhance the state’s coordinated response during times of natural disasters and emergencies.
In celebration of SES volunteers and staff, and marking the commencement of this new era, all current volunteers will receive an official citation to recognise their service.
Release on the day was the latest SES recruitment video as a celebration of the great work of SES volunteers and a call out for people who want to help their community and join the orange army.
To commemorate the commencement of MRQ, the MRQ logo and uniform was also unveiled.
Both the logo and uniform represent and honour the marine rescue volunteers who continue to keep Queenslanders safe while enjoying the oceans and waterways.
The establishment of MRQ means that the transition of marine volunteer units can MRQ begin in a phased approach from July for the next 12 to 18 months.
From 3 June 2024, the QPS also became QPS the agency responsible for coordination of our disaster and emergency services response in Queensland.
These are the largest and most significant changes Queensland has seen when it comes to disaster and emergency management response.
This legislation provides record support for the state’s local community disaster and emergency response volunteers, offering more resources, vehicles, critical safety equipment and protections for SES and marine rescue service volunteers.