Emergency Management Act

The Emergency Management Act 2004 establishes a framework for the management of emergencies. Its major parts deal with:

• the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) - establishment, membership, functions and powers, including the power to create advisory groups
• co-ordination - through the Commissioner of Police, as State Co-ordinator, and assistants
• the management of emergencies, including:
• their classification as major incidents, major emergencies or disasters
• recovery operations.
  
  

The Act replaces the State Disaster Act 1980, and is consistent with the Government's policy on emergency management, protective security and counter-terrorism. It shifts the focus from 'disaster management' to a flexible 'all hazards' framework that applies to planning, coordination and control for any emergency.

To view the Emergency Management Act 2004 click here

State Emergency Management Plan

State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) is responsible for the development and maintenance of this plan, which covers all forms of emergency. It uses the 'all hazards' aproach that recognises the four aspects of prevention, preparation, response, and recovery, and the necessity of applying risk management principles to them all.

The plan lays down the organisation structure for the participating government agencies, voluntary organisations and private sector organisations. The SEMC is supported by various advisory groups, such as one to advise on full recovery from emergencies, or how to deal with particular classes of hazard such as bushfire.

Given the vast extent and wide variety of the State, it is necessary to divide its area into a number of Zones, which are responsible for the preparation of local emergency management plans and their execution in the event of an emergency. If necessary, the forces and equipment available to one Zone may be augmented from adjacent Zones or central pools.

The plans for each unit in a Zone are carefully constructed to take account of its own role and those of others that it may have to interact with during an emergency. These plans form part of an overall Zone plan, and the Zone plans likewise form part of the overall State Emergency Management Plan.

Critical aspects of all emergency plans are tested regularly, through exercises that provide training for participants, and may also suggest aspects where improvements may be made.