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About SES

The SES is a volunteer based organisation that is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their community in times of emergency and disaster.

SES Brochure
Code of Conduct

Concept of The State Emergency Service (SES)

The basic concept of the SES is one of self help and mutual assistance within each community. SES volunteers care about their communities and are not paid for the great work that they do.

This concept involves the community in all aspects of disaster and emergency activity including prevention, preparation, response and recovery measures that will help protect the community when disaster strikes.

The concept was based on the philosophy of the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act 1975-78, the overarching legislation introduced to provide the framework for disaster management in Queensland.

Concept of SES The protection of life and property and the alleviation of suffering and hardship caused by disaster are the fundamental responsibilities of the three levels of government - Federal, State and Local - and the Community.

The Disaster Management Act 2003 which replaced the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act in early 2004 maintains the membership of the SES and supports its functions, for example to perform search, rescue and disaster related activities.

Functions of the SES

The Functions of the SES are:

To perform rescue or similar operations in an emergency situation;
To perform search operations in an emergency or similar situation;
To perform other operations in an emergency situation to -
- Help injured persons; or
- Protect persons or property from danger or potential danger associated with the emergency.
To perform other activities to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from an event or a disaster.

Roles of the SES

The SES becomes involved in preparing for and responding to many different types of disasters and emergencies including:

Cyclones
Storms
Floods
Crime Scene/Forensics Searches
Public events
Body recovery
Earthquakes
Cliff rescues
Transportation incidents (road/rail/air)
Landslides
Searches for missing persons
Animal disease outbreaks
Providing Support to other Emergency Services

SES Members also assist other emergency services with provision of:

Emergency lighting
Emergency welfare services
Control of traffic at emergency scenes
Emergency communications

Structure of the SES

Last updated 05 June 2009