At last year’s LGAQ Conference Motion 56 was resolved by members and now forms part of the LGAQ Advocacy Action Plan:
‘That the Local Government Association of Queensland lobby the Queensland Government to wholly fund the State Emergency Service from existing funds received from the Emergency Services Levy with appropriate budget allocation and governance arrangements.'
Last Friday Acting Deputy Commissioner Kevin Walsh (QFES) spoke with the LGAQ Policy Executive to update on progress since a meeting between LGAQ President Mark Jamieson and Minister Craig Crawford in March 2019.
In a constructive meeting Acting Deputy Commissioner Walsh told the Policy Executive that QFES was committed to sequentially transitioning to a State model of the SES to QFES over the coming years but recognised this was a complex process that involved engagement with
councils and volunteer members.
The SES has operated in Queensland since 1974, formed as a volunteer emergency service following the Brisbane floods of that same year. The valuable contribution that SES volunteers continue to make to their local communities is of the highest standard and councils have continually supported and funded this essential volunteer emergency service.
The funding of the SES in Queensland is not the subject of legislation. Broadly accepted mechanisms for financing the service have developed over time between the Queensland Government and councils as a ‘shared’ responsibility. That financial support is supplemented by corporate sponsorship, donations and the fundraising efforts of SES members. For over 40 years, the relationship between the former Emergency Management Queensland and now QFES with local governments in relation to SES has been one of a 'shared responsibility'. The SES has delivered a highly effective response to disaster and emergency events through this period despite the ambiguity regarding funding and command and control arrangements.
Both Councils and QFES recognise the current arrangements are not ideal. As a result of Motion 56, QFES will engage an external consultant to consult with councils and SES volunteers to determine the best course of action. This will take place over the coming months and a report will be finalised by the end of 2019. LGAQ will partner directly with QFES in this undertaking and each council that currently has an SES unit together with local volunteers will be asked to contribute to the discussion.
The LGAQ Policy Executive supports this course of action and sees it as an important way of ensuring that every council has an opportunity to discuss their particular arrangements regarding the SES. The Policy Executive also supports the notion of a 'sequenced transition' of arrangements, recognising the long-term arrangements that have been in place. It is also the case that whilst the motion is directly related to funding and governance arrangements, the valuable relationship between local government and the SES community volunteer members is important and, in all circumstances, should be maintained.
During this period of review, it is important that SES units continue in their current strong and capable fashion. All councils are encouraged to continue their outstanding contribution and support of the SES to ensure the capacity and capability remains at its highest standard throughout this process.
QFES Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said QFES is committed to playing a bigger role in the funding, management and governance of the SES.
“This transition will take place over some years as we ensure the appropriate consultation and background work is undertaken before beginning implementation,” he said.
“This piece of work is an exciting opportunity to further strengthen the SES funding and governance model so our SES members can continue their vital work into the future.
“QFES greatly values our relationship with local councils and recognises the excellent work this partnership has achieved over the years.”
“As we continue strengthening our relationship and working together on the SES transition and in all areas of disaster and emergency management, it is pleasing to know that together we are building a more capable, connected and resilient state.”
