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