Skip links and keyboard navigation

Queensland disaster and emergency management reform

The Queensland Government has delivered the largest improvement to our disaster and emergency services. This reform equips our disaster and emergency teams, along with 30,000 volunteers, to provide world-class disaster response to Queenslanders.

The delivery of the reforms transitions the State Emergency Service from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service to the Queensland Police Service. Additionally, Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and Volunteer Coastguard have come together under the newly established Marine Rescue Queensland. These changes ensure a safer Queensland for everyone.

The reform was achieved through the Queensland Disaster and Emergency Management Reforms Bills  that became law on 2 May 2024. The Reform Implementation Taskforce, led by DC Chelepy as the State Disaster Management Coordinator, oversaw these reforms.

The delivery of services will not be impacted, and disaster management will remain locally led. Work will continue to enhance the delivery services through:

  • prevention and preparedness programs
  • frontline response for communities and local bodies
  • recovery and emergency financial support services.

Select the tiles below to view further information on the agencies involved.

Key Achievements

1 July 2024

  • Queensland Fire Department established
  • Changes introduced via Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 amendments

3 June 2024

  • State Emergency Service transition to the   Queensland Police Service as an independent entity
  • Marine Rescue Queensland was established as an   entity within the Queensland Police Service. The Queensland units of the   Volunteer Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue have been invited to join   in a staged process commencing July 2024.

2 May 2024

Passing of Legislation:

  • Queensland Emergency Services Reform Amendment Bill 2023
  • Marine Rescue Queensland Bill 2023
  • State Emergency Service Bill 2024

October 2023

Transition of Disaster Management to the newly formed Emergency Management Command and Control Centre within Queensland Police Service and Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Funding

Disaster Management

  • Queensland Reconstruction Authority Resourcing - 30 full time equivalent (FTE) and associated funding
  • Queensland Police Service Disaster Management - $22 million and 94 FTE
  • Service Level Agreements - Surf Life Saving Queensland and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland and Police Citizen Youth   Club Emergency Services Cadets - $9 million
  • Queensland Police Service Corporate Support for transitioned services - $10 million and 80 FTE

Queensland Fire Department

  • Office of the Chief Fire Officer - $1million and 6 FTE $1 million
  • Queensland Fire and Rescue - $11 million and 143 FTE
  • Rural Fire Service Queensland - 114 FTE
  • Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Funding Retention - $77 million
  • $60 million and 45 FTE

State Emergency Service

  • $60 million and 45 FTE

Marine Rescue Queensland

  • $27 million and 35 FTE for establishment

Contact us

Email dem.pmo@police.qld.gov.au to ask a question or provide feedback.

FAQs

Read the latest FAQs and Myth Busters.