- Miles Government delivers $60 million budget for State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and local communities.
- Budget supports the final tranche of the staffing uplift for the SES with 30 additional SES staff, bringing the allocation to 219 positions – almost double the number since the reforms commenced.
- The budget provides enhanced support for the SES with $3.8 million allocated for more SES equipment and flood boats.
The Miles Government has delivered on its commitment to increase support for the State Emergency Service (SES), delivering a record $60 million in annual funding, including more than $20 million to enhance operational capability and support for frontline volunteers.
The funding reflects the recent formal establishment of the SES, as a dedicated volunteer emergency service with its own operating budget, new legislation and Chief Officer, enabling a more strategic approach to the growth and sustainability of the service.
The SES, and the communities it serves, will also benefit from more staff and more resources.
The record budget continues to deliver more than $10 million for operational and administrative costs and machinery and other rescue resources for frontline volunteers.
This includes $3.8 million for crucial safety equipment and flood boats to further support volunteer and community safety and boost rescue efforts.
The SES is also supported by Principal Community Partner, Suncorp, and Supporting Partners, Energex and Ergon Energy (part of Energy Queensland), and Powerlink Queensland and local governments, who continue to provide capability for SES units across the state to support their respective communities.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“Our SES volunteers do an incredible job protecting and helping Queenslanders in the face of a natural disaster or emergency.
“The record budget demonstrates our commitment to supporting Queensland’s frontline volunteers and local communities in times of need.
“My government will continue to support our Orange Army and the amazing service these volunteers provide.”
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“The work the SES continue to do for Queensland communities should never be taken for granted.
“When Queensland’s weather gives our state its worst, the SES volunteers give us their best, providing valuable rescue and support to those in need.
“The work they do is crucial for our communities and our increased funding commitment ensures those who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe have the best possible resources.”
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
“This year’s dedicated operational budget for SES as its own entity will directly support the work of SES volunteers across the state.
“Our SES volunteers step up when Queensland needs them, and we are stepping up our support to directly support them ─ with more personnel, more equipment and enhanced capability and development for our volunteers.
“Everyone in the community sees the extraordinary efforts of Queensland’s dedicated SES personnel and we are committed to continue to support them to deliver their invaluable lifesaving work.”
As stated by Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
“SES has a long and proud history of commitment and service to community safety, especially during times of disasters.
“The reforms to move SES under the guidance of QPS reflect the important role that volunteer emergency services play in the state’s disaster and emergency management system.
“Queenslanders can be assured that SES will be supported to continue to deliver this critical service to local communities across the state.”
As stated by SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong:
“The additional funding for equipment, staff and support for the dedicated volunteers who work so hard for their local communities is very welcomed.
“SES is all about Queenslanders helping one another through disasters and the government’s funding commitment will only support to strengthen and enhance SES’s capability and service to the community.”
