The Queensland Government is delivering the largest change to the state’s disaster and emergency management system in years.
This significant body of work will ensure emergency services personnel and volunteers are best placed to continue delivering a world-class response to Queenslanders.
As part of major reforms currently underway in Queensland to enhance delivery of disaster and emergency management two Chief Officers have been announced.
SES will transition away from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to become an entity within the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Given the long-running and close working relationship the SES has with the QPS, the SES will be hosted by the QPS’s overarching structure and associated support services. The strength of the SES and its partnership between the community and State and Local Governments is exceptional and this will always remain the case.
Chief Officer Mark Armstrong has been appointed and commences work on 5 February 2024 and over the coming weeks, Mr Armstrong will receive briefings on how the transition to QPS is progressing. He will assume operational command of the SES on 1 July 2024.
Mr Armstrong has more than 25 years’ experience in the Australian Defence Force and major multi-national corporations.
Commissioner of Police, Katarina Carroll, said the new emergency reforms, which are already well underway will streamline co-ordination and improve interoperability with existing capabilities in the QPS.
“I welcome the appointment of Mark Armstrong into the new role,” Commissioner Carroll said.
Police and Community Safety Minister, Mark Ryan, said everyone in the community sees the extraordinary efforts of Queensland’s dedicated SES personnel in support of the safety of our community.
“He will lead a workforce which includes thousands of dedicated and hard-working volunteers who assist communities when they need help the most,” said Minister Mark Ryan.
Additionally, the Chief Officer for MRQ has also been announced. The future MRQ will establish a single, integrated and legislated state-wide marine rescue service. A newentity dedicated to protecting Queenslanders in our oceans and waterways sitting within the QPS and building on the great relationship with Water Police.
The new MRQ brings together the extraordinary wealth of expertise and diverse geographic knowledge of our existing marine rescue volunteers alongside the Queensland government’s commitment and investment.
Chief Officer Tony Wulff has been appointed as the lead of MRQ and commences on 19 February 2024. As the inaugural MRQ Chief Officer, Mr Wulff will play an instrumental role in establishing the new organisation.
Mr Wulff has over two decades of experience in transformational leadership across the public sector and marine industry.
Commissioner of Police, Katarina Carroll, said as we continue to strive to improve our service delivery throughout the state, the appointment of Mr Wulff with his diverse range of skills and experiences will serve Marine Rescue Queensland and our community well into the future.
“I wish to congratulate Mr Wulff on his appointment,” Commissioner Carroll said.
The disaster and emergency management reforms will be implemented by June 30, 2024.
These changes will see the adoption of modern methods in the delivery of service arrangements, operational structures streamlined, and resources better focussed.
