2 Roles and Responsibilities
2 Roles and Responsibilities
2.1 Disaster Management in Queensland​
Queensland's disaster management arrangements are characterised by and implemented through strong partnerships between government, government-owned corporations, NGOs, commerce and industry sectors and the local community.
The arrangements recognise and promote collaboration to ensure comprehensive disaster management through the effective coordination of disaster risk planning, services, information and resources.
Queensland’s disaster management arrangements comprise a four tiered system: three levels of government – local, state and federal – and an additional state government tier between local and state levels known as disaster districts. These disaster districts enable a more efficient and effective operational service delivery in support of local communities and address the size, complexity and diversity of Queensland.
2.1.1 Disaster Management Structures
Queensland's disaster management arrangements enable a progressive escalation of support and assistance through the four tiers as required as shown in Figure 2.1. These arrangements comprise several key management and coordination structures for achieving effective disaster management in Queensland.
The management and coordination structures are:
- Disaster management groups that operate at local, district and state levels and are responsible for the planning, organisation, coordination and implementation of all measures to mitigate/prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster events.
- Coordination centres at local, district and state levels that support disaster management groups in coordinating information, resources and services necessary for disaster operations.
- Disaster management plans, developed to ensure appropriate disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery at local, district and state levels.
- Functional lead agencies through which the disaster management functions and responsibilities of the state government are managed and coordinated.
- Hazard specific primary agencies, responsible for the management and coordination of combating specific hazards.
- Specific-purpose committees, either permanent or temporary, established under the authority of disaster management groups for specific purposes relating to disaster management.
Figure 2.1 Queensland's disaster management arrangements
2.1.2 Disaster Management Process
Local governments – through their respective LDMGs – have primary responsibility to manage a disaster at the community level. Accordingly, they are responsible for the development and implementation of their Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP).
If local governments identify gaps in their capacity or capability to manage a potential disaster and require additional resources to manage an event, they can request support from their DDMG. This allows for the rapid mobilisation of resources at a local, regional or district level.
If district resources are inadequate or inappropriate, requests for assistance can be passed to the state via the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC).
If state resources prove inadequate or inappropriate, Australian Government support can be sought through the Department of Home Affairs.
2.1.3 Directions about Functions
The Act provides that written directions may be given to disaster management groups about the performance of their functions.
The QDMC Chairperson, the Premier of Queensland, may give written direction to a DDMG about the performance of the DDMG's functions to ensure those functions are performed appropriately. Before giving the direction, the Chairperson must consult with the District Disaster Coordinator (DDC) of the DDMG. It is the responsibility of the DDMG to comply with the direction.
The DDC of a DDMG may give an LDMG from within the district a written direction to ensure the performance of the LDMG's functions after consultation with the Chairperson of the LDMG. It is the responsibility of the LDMG to comply with the direction.
2.2 Queensland Disaster Management Training Framework
Disaster management training is an essential means for agencies to develop and maintain their disaster management capabilities and capacity. Training and education is important in ensuring all agencies within Queensland’s disaster management arrangements can seamlessly integrate, cooperate and contribute to effective and coordinated disaster operations.
Section 16A of the Act provides a legislative requirement for the Commissioner, QFES to ensure that persons involved in disaster operations are appropriately trained to maintain or enhance capability under Queensland’s disaster management arrangements. It is also the responsibility of all stakeholders with disaster management and disaster operations roles to undertake the training relevant to their role as outlined in the Queensland Disaster Management Training Framework (QDMTF).
The QDMTF outlines the core training courses and inductions relevant to the key disaster management stakeholders to support the effective performance of their role.
Each disaster management group should regularly assess training needs and develop a training program in consultation with their regional QFES Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC).
H.1.027 Queensland Disaster Management Training Framework
2.3 Local level - Local Government
Queensland is divided into 77 LGAs and one town authority. Local governments are primarily responsible for managing disaster events in their LGAs. They are ideally placed to provide specific disaster management at the community level given their knowledge and understanding of local social, environmental and economic issues. They achieve coordinated and effective strategies to manage potential vulnerabilities and respond to disasters through their LDMG.
MAP.1.050 Queensland Local Government Areas - District Map
2.3.1 Responsibilities of local governments
Responsibilities of local governments are detailed in sections 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 37, 57, 59 and 60 of the Act and section 5 and 10 of the Regulation.
2.3.2 Functions of local governments
Section 80 of the Act outlines the functions of a local government in disaster management.
A 'disaster response capability' for local government means the ability to provide equipment and a suitable number of persons, using the resources available, to effectively manage or help another entity to manage an emergency situation or a disaster in the local government area.
D.1.038 Local Disaster Management Groups List
2.3.3 Local Disaster Management Group
LDMGs are established by local governments to support and coordinate disaster management activities for their respective LGAs.
For more information regarding LDMG responsibilities, business and meetings refer to Toolkit items listed at the end of Section 2.3.5 of this Chapter.
2.3.3.1 Local Disaster Management Group Membership
The mayor, or another councillor of the local government, is appointed as the Chairperson of the LDMG. Membership of the LDMG is outlined in the Regulation and generally comprises of:
- Chairperson, must be a councillor
- Deputy Chairperson
- Local Disaster Coordinator (LDC)
- person nominated by the Commissioner, QFES
- other persons, which should include:
- council representatives
- local emergency services – Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Ambulance Service, QFES
- Representatives of functional lead agencies
- NGOs such as welfare organisations or community groups
- a Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC) also may be appointed.
Appointments under the Act can be made to a person or by position (see s. 24A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954). It is strongly recommended that appointments be made by position as this eliminates the need for a new appointment when a change in personnel occurs. However, where a position title changes, a new appointment will be required and the new incumbent will need to undertake training under the QDMTF.
Local group members are appointed under section 33 of the Act. LDMG members should have the necessary expertise or experience and delegated authority to assist with a comprehensive, all hazards, all agencies approach to disaster management.
Where a person or position undertakes a dual function as an LDMG and a DDMG member, appointing a deputy to both positions is recommended.
In addition to the legislated members of the group, LDMGs may appoint members or advisors to ensure adequate capability and capacity for specialist functions of disaster management.
2.3.3.2 Functions of Local Disaster Management Groups
The functions of an LDMG are outlined in section 30 of the Act.
2.3.3.3 Responsibilities of Local Disaster Management Groups
In addition to the legislated functions, it is recommended LDMGs consider:
- Establishing terms of reference to guide activities.
Creating permanent or temporary sub-groups, as required to assist the group with its business. Examples of sub-groups include:
- Local Recovery Group (LRG)
- an evacuation project team
- a cyclone shelter operations management group
- a sub-group formed to deal with a particular issue relating to that LGA.
When this occurs:
- it is recommended that terms of reference are implemented to give clear guidance on the establishment, role and function, required outcomes and conduct of business of the sub-group
- it is also recommended that any decisions made or actions taken by or on behalf of these sub-groups be endorsed by the LDMG.
Appointing a secretariat to carry out the administrative business duties and official records management on behalf of the group.
Establishing a Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) to operationalise LDMG decisions and plan and implement strategies and activities on behalf of the LDMG during disaster operations. It is recommended that centres have the capability to:
- receive and manage information from the public and other source
- coordinate local resources and information
- identify tasks where extra resources are needed
- pass information and requests for assistance to the District Disaster Coordination Centre (DDCC).
For more information refer to Chapter 4, section 4.4.2: Disaster coordination centres.
Meeting at least once each six months at the times and places decided by the LDMG Chairperson. These meetings must meet quorum requirements as outlined in section 13 of the Regulation.
Completing a status report at the end of each financial year and provide the completed report to the relevant DDC for inclusion, where relevant, in the DDMG and QDMC annual reports. LDMGs may contact their QFES EMC for advice and assistance in the completion of the annual status report.
Ensuring recovery arrangements are, in consultation with the community, prepared for, planned for and implemented to support the relevant LGA.
2.3.4 Local Disaster Coordinator
As per section 35 of the Act, a LDC is appointed by the LDMG Chairperson to manage disaster operations for the LGA. The functions of the LDC are outlined in section 36 of the Act.
2.3.5 Local Recovery Coordinator
The LDMG may determine it is necessary to appoint a LRC to coordinate recovery at the local level.
The LRC is appointed by the LDMG Chairperson, after consultation with the State Recovery Policy and Planning Coordinator (SRPPC) and the State Recovery Coordinator (SRC), if appointed. The appointment of the LRC may be pre-emptive in anticipation of expected disaster impacts.
It is recommended the person appointed as the LRC, where possible, is not the same person appointed as the LDC. If appointed, the LRC and LDC should liaise regularly during disaster operations.
M.1.030 Local Disaster Management Group Responsibilities Manual
T.1.031 Notice of Permanent Appointment of LDMG Chair Person Template
T.1.032 Notice of Change to LDMG Member Template
T.1.033 Agency Nomination of LDMG Member Template
T.1.034 Notice of Appointment of LDMG Member Template
T.1.035 Notice of Temporary Appointment of LDMG Executive Member (other than LDC) Template
T.1.037 Notice of Appointment of Local Disaster Coordinator Template
T.1.266 Notice of Local Government Appointment to DDMG Template
M.1.052 Disaster Management Groups Business and Meetings Manual
T.1.053 Ministerial Approval to Combine LDMG Template
T.1.055 Generic LDMG Terms of Reference Template
T.1.056 LDMG Meeting Attendance Sheet Template
T.1.057 Register of LDMG Contact Details Template
T.1.071 LDMG Member Contact Details Template
T.1.058 LDMG Progressive Record of Attendance Template
T.1.059 LDMG Meeting Minutes Template
T.1.060 LDMG Flying Minute Endorsement Template
T.1.062 LDMG Briefing Paper Template
T.1.063 LDMG Meeting Checklist Template
T.1.064 LDMG Sample Meeting Agenda Template
T.1.065 LDMG Resolution Statement Template
T.1.068 LDMG Resolution Register Template
T.1.069 LDMG Correspondence Register Template
T.1.061 LDMG Member Status Report Template
T.1.070 LDMG Annual Disaster Management Status Report Template
L.1.019 Recordkeeping Guidance
2.4 District level
Under Queensland's disaster management arrangements, the state is divided into 22 disaster districts. Each district comprises one or more LGAs.
Each disaster district performs the function of providing coordinated state government support when required and requested by local governments through their LDMGs.
The Act establishes a DDMG for each disaster district. DDMGs are responsible to the state government, through the QDMC, for all aspects of disaster management capabilities and capacity for their district.
MAP.1.050 Queensland Local Government Areas - District Map
D.1.051 District Disaster Management Groups List
2.4.1 District Disaster Management Groups
DDMGs provide whole of government planning and coordination capacity to support local governments in disaster operations and disaster management.
For more information regarding DDMG responsibilities, business and meetings refer to Toolkit items listed at the end of section 2.4.5.3 of this Chapter.
2.4.1.1 Temporary District Disaster Management Groups
Under section 28A of the Act, if a disaster event is likely to happen, is happening or has happened in two or more adjoining disaster districts, the QDMC Chairperson may, after consulting with the Commissioner, QPS, establish a temporary DDMG. The temporary DDMG is responsible for the management of the disaster for the affected districts, as directed by the QDMC Chairperson.
2.4.2 District Disaster Management Group Membership
DDMGs are led by a Chairperson, who is also the DDC, appointed by the Commissioner, QPS. DDMGs are comprised predominantly of representatives of state government agencies responsible for the hazards and functions of disaster management outlined in the SDMP and representatives from local government within the district. DDMGs coordinate district level whole of government support and provide resource gap assistance to disaster affected communities, when requested by LDMGs.
DDMG members are appointed in accordance with sections 24, 25 and 27 of the Act.
DDMG representatives should have the necessary expertise or experience in assisting with a comprehensive, all hazards, all agencies approach to disaster management. They must actively participate in the DDMG to ensure its legislative functions are fulfilled, including performing functional lead agency roles across a district when appropriate.
Membership may be formed based on the individual needs of the DDMG and reviewed annually and should include:
- Chairperson/DDC
- Deputy Chairperson
- Executive Officer (XO)
- representatives of each relevant local government in the disaster district
- representatives of state government agencies
- other members as deemed applicable, such as individuals, representatives of government owned corporations, essential services and NGOs, as identified in the DDMP.
Further information about the appointment and responsibilities of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and XO can be found in Chapter 2, section 2.4.5: Roles within District Disaster Management Groups.
Full membership details, appointment requirements and responsibilities of these positions are provided in the toolkit.
2.4.3 Functions of District Disaster Management Groups
The functions of a DDMG are outlined in section 23 of the Act.
2.4.3.1 Functions of a temporary District Disaster Management Group
The functions, establishment and membership of temporary DDMGs are outlined in sections 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E and 28F of the Act.
2.4.3.2 Functional Committees
It is recommended that DDMGs establish functional committees to address specific issues associated with the delivery of disaster management functions within their particular district, based on requirements of the district and the functional lead agency.
Examples of possible committees include human and social recovery committees.
When functional committees are established, DDMGs are strongly encouraged to consider committee membership and the requirements for development of a supporting functional plan. Again, the requirements of the responsible state government agency will also need to be considered.
Information regarding the functional lead agencies responsible for each of the functions of disaster management is outlined in the SDMP .
2.4.3.3 Other Committees
DDMGs may need to create permanent or temporary committees to address specific issues within their district. Examples are:
- District Recovery Committee
- Exercise Management Committee.
The creation of a committee should be passed as a DDMG meeting resolution. Terms of reference are required to give clear guidance on the committee's establishment, functions and role, required outcomes and conduct of business.
2.4.3.4 Reporting Requirements
A committee, whether permanent or temporary, must provide regular written status reports at each DDMG meeting.
2.4.4 Responsibilities of District Disaster Management Groups
In addition to the legislated functions, DDMGs have the following responsibilities:
- Establish terms of reference to guide activities.
- Prepare the DDMG Annual Report for inclusion in the QDMC Annual Report.
- Appoint a secretariat to carry out the administrative business duties and official records management on behalf of the group.
- Establish and review communications with the relevant district and local groups.
- Establish DDCCs to support the DDMG in providing state level support to local government. The DDCC implements decisions of the DDC and DDMG and coordinates state and Australian government resources in support of LDMGs. DDCCs should have the capability to:
- receive and manage information from LDCCs and the SDCC
- identify tasks where extra resources are needed
- pass information and requests for assistance between the LDCC and the SDCC.
- Ensure that recovery arrangements are prepared for, planned for, and implemented to support the LDMGs within their district.
2.4.5 Roles within District Disaster Management Groups
2.4.5.1 Chairperson/District Disaster Coordinator
In accordance with section 25(1) (a) of the Act, the Commissioner, QPS appoints the Chairpersons – by position – for each disaster district.
The DDMG Chairperson is also the DDC, in accordance with section 25A of the Act.
The organisational position not the individual person is the appointee to the role of DDC. Accordingly, when an individual is acting in the appointed organisational position, he/she then is the DDC for the period he/she is acting in the organisational position.
For more information regarding the declaring of a disaster situation refer to Chapter 5 Section 5.5.
Responsibilities of the Chairperson/DDC are outlined in sections 26 and 26A of the Act.
A DDC may declare a disaster subject to the approval by the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and the completion of the approved form and notice of declaration. A declaration of a disaster situation can be made verbally if the DDC is satisfied it is necessary to exercise declared disaster powers under section 64(1)(b) of the Act before an approved form can be obtained and completed. However, the declaration must be recorded on the approved form as soon as possible.
The DDC should be mindful of any emergency situation declarations under the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 and should liaise with the person acting as forward commander when declaring a disaster situation under the Act.
During a disaster situation, the DDC and other declared disaster officers are provided with additional powers under sections 77-78 of the Act, including the power to direct evacuation.
2.4.5.2 Deputy Chairperson
In accordance with section 25(1) of the Act, the Commissioner, QPS appoints Deputy Chairpersons – by position – for each disaster district.
The Deputy Chairperson is to preside at DDMG meetings in the absence of the Chairperson and it may be appropriate for the Deputy Chairperson to be delegated the responsibilities of the DDC in the absence of the DDC.
2.4.5.3 District Executive Officer
In accordance with section 27 of the Act the Commissioner, QPS appoints – by position – a member of the police service as XO of each DDMG.
A person holding that position must have the appropriate expertise or experience to perform the functions of XO in accordance with section 28 of the Act.
The organisational position not the individual person is the appointee to the role of DDMG XO. Accordingly, when an individual is acting in the appointed organisational position, he/she then is the XO for the period he/she is acting in the organisational position.
Toolkit
M.1.040 District Disaster Management Group Responsibilities Manual
F.1.041 DM13 Authorisation to Appoint a Deputy Form
T.1.043 DDMG Government Department Appointment Notification Template
T.1.045 DDMG Local Government Appointment Notification Template
T.1.046 Notification of Change to DDMG Member Template
T.1.047 Notification of Current DDMG Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson Template
T.1.048 Notification of Current DDMG Executive Officer Template
D.1.263 State Government Member Appointment Process
D.1.262 DDMG Member Appointment Process
T.1.264 DDMG Post Disaster Analysis Report
M.1.052 Disaster Management Groups Business and Meetings Manual
T.1.072 DDMG Flying Minute Template
T.1.073 DDMG Meeting Minutes Template
T.1.074 DDMG Meeting Brief Template
T.1.075 DDMG Attendance Sheet Template
T.1.076 DDMG Progressive Meeting Attendance Sheet Template
T.1.077 DDMG Correspondence Register Template
T.1.078 DDMG Member Status Report Template
T.1.080 DDMG Noting Brief Template
T.1.081 DDMG Resolution Statement Template
T.1.257 DDMG Resolution Register
T.1.082 DDMG Extraordinary Meeting Agenda Template
T.1.083 DDMG Member Contact Details Template
T.1.084 DDMG LDMP Legislative Checklist
T.1.085 Register of DDMG Contact Details
T.1.086 DDMG DDMP Legislative Checklist
T.1.087 DDMG Ordinary Meeting Checklist
T.1.089 DDMG Generic Terms of Reference Template
T.1.091 DDMG Annual Report Template
L.1.019 Recordkeeping Guidance
T.1.042 DDMG Establishment of a Temporary Disaster District Group Membership Template
2.5 State level - Queensland Government
Strategic leadership at the state level is provided through the Queensland Disaster Management Committee (QDMC).
Disaster response coordination, including coordinated and efficient deployment of state government resources, is provided through the State Disaster Coordination Group (SDCG) and the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC).
2.5.1 Queensland Disaster Management Committee
The QDMC provides senior strategic leadership in relation to disaster management across all four phases – prevention, preparedness, response and recovery – in Queensland and facilitates communication between the Premier, relevant Ministers and Directors-General before, before, during and after disasters.
2.5.1.1 Functions of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee
The functions of the QDMC are outlined in section 18 of the Act.
2.5.1.2 Queensland Disaster Management Committee membership
Membership of the QDMC is outlined in the Regulation and generally comprises persons prescribed by the Regulation and other persons invited by the Chairperson of the QDMC.
2.5.1.3 Functions of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee Chair and Deputy Chair
The QDMC is chaired by the Premier. The functions of the Chair of the QDMC are:
- manage and coordinate the business of the QDMC
- ensure, as far as practicable, that the QDMC performs its functions
- request Commonwealth Government non-financial assistance.
The Minister who is recognised as the deputy for the Premier is the deputy chairperson of the QDMC. The Deputy Chairperson is to act as Chairperson during a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson or during all periods of absence or inability to perform the functions of the office.
2.5.1.4 Executive Officer, Queensland Disaster Management Committee
The XO of the QDMC is appointed by the Commissioner, QPS to provide support to the QDMC, as directed by the QDMC Chairperson, to help the committee perform its functions including:
- providing executive support at meetings of the QDMC
- calling meetings of the QDMC
- providing any other executive support the Chairperson considers necessary.
2.5.1.5 Queensland Disaster Management Committee Reporting
In accordance with s. 44 of the Act, the QDMC is required to provide a written report regarding disaster management for the state as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year and to publish that report on an appropriate public website.
In preparing its Annual Report, the QDMC is to incorporate issues arising from reports provided by each of the disaster management groups as well as by other state committees.
QDMC Annual Reports are available on the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website.
2.5.2 Premier of Queensland
The Premier may declare a disaster situation for the state or part of the state.
2.5.3 Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, as the Minister administering the Act, may declare a disaster situation for the state or part of the state.
2.5.4 State Disaster Coordinator
Under s. 21B(1) of the Act, the Chairperson of the QDMC must appoint a person as the State Disaster Coordinator (SDC) to coordinate disaster operations for the group.
2.5.4.1 Functions of the State Disaster Coordinator
The functions of the SDC are outlined in section 21C of the Act.
2.5.5 State Disaster Coordination Group
The SDCG supports the SDC in areas such as coordinating disaster response operations for the QDMC and ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, that any strategic decisions by the QDMC about disaster response operations are implemented.
2.5.6 State Disaster Coordination Centre
The SDCC supports the SDC through the coordination of a state level operational response capability during disaster operations. The SDCC also ensures information about an event and associated disaster operations is disseminated to all levels, including the Australian Government.
The SDCC is a permanent facility located at the Emergency Services Complex at Kedron, Brisbane.
The centre operates as the Watch Desk when not activated, and is staffed and maintained in a state of operational readiness by QFES. The QPS Disaster Management Unit and a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) senior forecaster are permanently situated at the centre. QPS takes operational command of the SDCC upon activation.
During a disaster event, permanent staffing is supplemented by QPS, QFES, Public Safety Business Agency and other state government personnel as well as liaison officers from other state government agencies in accordance with the Queensland Public Service Commission’s “Directive 10/14 – Critical Incident Response and Recovery”.
The SDCC is also supported by NGOs and the Department of Defence during operations. The level of support is determined by the scale of the event as outlined in the indicative levels of activation for response arrangements in the SDMP.
2.5.7 Watch Desk
The Watch Desk provides a 24/7 emergency management capability for the Queensland Government and other disaster management stakeholders through monitoring, collecting, collating and analysing a wide range of emergency management information from diverse sources to notify, inform and warn key stakeholders.
The Watch Desk role also includes the coordination of State Emergency Service (SES) tasks and acts as the single point of dissemination of Emergency Alert (EA) campaigns in Queensland.
RG.1.092 SDCC Watch Desk Reference Guide
2.5.8 Emergency Management Coordinator
EMCs are responsible for engaging with local governments, agencies, authorities, communities and community groups to build local disaster management capability and capacity. This is primarily achieved by incorporating risk management principles and practices in the delivery of emergency management planning,
review and assessments, the development and maintenance of disaster management plans delivery of the QDMTF and other emergency management training to relevant stakeholders.
RG.1.093 Emergency Management Coordinators Reference Guide
2.5.9 Disaster management functional lead agencies
The SDMP provides information on the functional lead agency for each disaster management function. Planning assistance can be sourced, if required, through members from these agencies on district groups.
The lead agencies and their responsibilities are detailed in Appendix C of the SDMP, which is available at the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website.
2.5.10 Leadership Board Sub-committee (Recovery)
The Leadership Board Sub-committee (Recovery) oversees the implementation of state disaster specific recovery plans and develops strategies to manage risks that may affect recovery operations.
2.5.10.1 Functions of the Leadership Board Sub-committee (Recovery)
The Leadership Board Sub-Committee:
- provides oversight on the planning and implementation of the state's whole of community recovery activities regarding the disaster, across the functional lines of recovery, as detailed in the disaster specific recovery plans
- provides the mechanism to manage and coordinate the recovery activities of FRGs, including cross-cutting issues
- identifies issues for resilience and recovery and canvases policy solutions across the FRGs that are not in the state level recovery plan
- pre-empts and raises emerging issues highlighted by the FRGs and/or the SRC and escalates to the Leadership Board and/or QDMC through the SRPPC for action, as required
- provides assurance and monitoring of recovery efforts for the impacts of the disaster
- reports on recovery activities to the QDMC
- ensures FRGs contribute actively to the development of the recovery plan in partnership with the QRA.
2.5.11 State Recovery Policy and Planning Coordinator
The Chief Executive Officer of QRA is the SRPPC, as appointed by the Premier.
2.5.11.1 Functions of the State Recovery Policy and Planning Coordinator
The SRPPC:
- fulfils the role of the standing State Recovery Coordinator (SRC)
- engages collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure recovery activities provide the best outcomes for the people of Queensland in terms of timeliness, quality of service and advice to government
- ensures better preparedness of government entities and the community for recovery operations
- leads recovery planning, policy and recovery capability development to ensure effective recovery operations and coordination
- oversees the effective delivery of relief and immediate recovery operations until a SRC is appointed
- facilitates the provision of local recovery planning and operations support when requested by the impacted LDMGs/LRGs
- ensures continual improvements in disaster recovery policies, procedures and planning
- oversees state level preparedness for recovery operations
- manages and resources a newly appointed SRC and is available for consultation with the SRC/Deputy SRCs throughout the duration of their appointment
- attends QDMC and SDCG meetings, and liaises with the SDC in the lead up to a disaster (if possible) and during disaster response operations
- works with the SDC to ensure a smooth transition from response operations to recovery operations
- works with stakeholders to collaboratively implement the delivery of resilience building measures and ongoing resilience continuous improvement
- ensures a review of disaster recovery operations is conducted after an event.
2.5.12 State Recovery Coordinator
The appointment of a SRC is legislated under section 21D of the Act. This appointment must be in writing and may only be terminated in writing by the QDMC Chairperson.
Following severe and/or widespread events, multiple recovery coordinators may be appointed for a disaster event if, after consulting with the SRPPC, the QDMC Chairperson is satisfied the appointments are necessary.
2.5.12.1 Functions of the State Recovery Coordinator
The functions of the SRC are outlined in section 21E of the Act.
L.1.094 State Recovery Coordinator
2.5.13 Functional Recovery Groups
Effective recovery from a disaster requires an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to multiple factors including needs analysis, consequence management, community engagement, planning and service delivery. The FRGs provide a platform to coordinate the efforts by all agencies involved in a recovery
operation.
2.5.13.1 Membership
At the state level, FRGs:
- are chaired by the Directors-General of those agencies with lead functional recovery responsibilities:
- Human and Social – Director-General, Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
- Economic – Director-General, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
- Environment – Director-General, Department of Environment and Science
- Building – Director-General, Department of Housing and Public Works
- Roads and Transport – Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
- include representatives from state and local governments, the not-for-profit sector, utilities sector and the private sector (membership is flexible and dynamic to support recovery operations specific to a disaster, based on impact and needs assessments).
2.5.13.2 Functions
The functions of FRGs are:
- advise stakeholders and recovery partners at all levels when FRGs have activated
- develop a reporting structure with the Local and District Recovery Groups and actively share information including meeting minutes/reports
- lead and coordinate the planning (based on community identified recovery needs) and implementation of lead agency functions across the functional lines of recovery
- contribute to the development of event specific state recovery plans
- report through the Leadership Board, or the Leadership Board Sub- committee (Recovery) when established, to the QDMC Chair or delegated Minister
- report in to or participate in the Local Recovery Groups and provide assistance in the development and implementation of Local Recovery Pans, when required. This participation may be undertaken through a district level delegate from the lead functional agency.
RG.1.234 Local or District Recovery Group Structure Reference Guide
2.6 Relationships between disaster management groups
2.6.1 Relationship between Local and District Disaster Management Groups
DDMGs support LDMGs by providing a whole of government planning and coordination capability for disaster management.
This includes:
- deciding on how to best allocate state resources in the support of local governments undertaking disaster management activities
- regularly reviewing and assessing disaster management by LDMGs in the district.
Section 47 of the Act enables the DDC of a DDMG to give a LDMG a written direction about the performance of the LDMG's functions (this direction may be given verbally when it is not practical to give a written direction). The DDC must consult with the Chairperson of the local group before giving the
direction.
During operations the LDMG may approach the DDMG:
- for requests for assistance
- to recommend that a directed evacuation is required based on situation awareness
Typically this contact is a formal request from the LDCC to the DDCC.
2.6.2 Relationship- between the DDMG and the QDMC
The QDMC provides disaster management strategic policy and direction to DDMGs and LDMGs to ensure relevant, best practice and coordinated disaster planning, disaster mitigation, response and recovery are conducted at all levels within the disaster management arrangements. Formally, this direction occurs primarily through the SPS, the SDMP and disaster management guidelines.
Section 46 of the Act enables the chair of the QDMC to give a DDMG a written direction about the performance of the DDMG's functions (this direction may be given verbally when it is not practical to give written direction). The QDMC must consult with the Chairperson/DDC of the district group before
giving the direction.
The DDMG reports its normal business activities to the QDMC on an annual basis through the DDMG Annual Report.
During disaster operations, the QDMC will provide strategic direction through the SDC for disaster response operations and the SRC, if they are appointed, for disaster recovery operations.
During operations the DDMG may approach the QDMC for:
- requests for assistance
- ministerial approval of a declaration of a disaster situation
- ministerial activation of funding arrangements through Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) or State Disaster Relief Arrangements (SDRA).
Typically this contact is a formal request from the DDC to the SDC.
2.7 Inspector-General Emergency Management
Part 1A of the Act, establishes the Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) and Office of the IGEM. The priority for the Office of the IGEM is to facilitate improvements to Queensland’s disaster management arrangements to enable confidence in the system and enhance public safety outcomes. The functions of the Office of the IGEM are detailed in section 16C of the Act.
The Emergency Management Assurance Framework (EMAF), developed by the Office of the IGEM in partnership with disaster management practitioners, provides the foundation for guiding and supporting the continuous improvement of entities’ programs across all phases of disaster management. The EMAF also provides the structure and mechanism for reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of disaster management arrangements.
The EMAF is comprised of Principles, the Standard for Disaster Management in Queensland (the Standard) and Assurance Activities.
2.7.1 Assurance
Assurance activities are undertaken to assess performance against the Standard, legislation, policy, good practice guidelines and entity performance indicators to provide a level of assurance of disaster management effectiveness. Assurance activities are structured into three tiers reflecting different levels of independence, depth, scope and rigour. These tiers provide the basis for monitoring and assessing individual and collective performance across disaster management.
L.1.005 Emergency Management Assurance Framework
2.8 National level - Australian Government
At an Australian Government level, the Department of Home Affairs, through Emergency Management Australia, is the responsible agency for coordinating assistance to states and territories through the Crisis Coordination Centre (CCC).
The Department of Home Affairs:
- delivers programs and policies that maintain and strengthen Australia's national security and emergency management procedures
- continues to establish, fund and support several capability development activities, often in partnership with the states and territories (the goal of capability development is to enhance national emergency management capabilities through the identification of gaps and the development then implementation of Australian Government initiatives to address these gaps)
- maintains response plans to provide Australian Government non-financial assistance to states and territories in response to an emergency.
2.8.1 Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre
The CCC is the Australian Government's all hazards, 24/7 facility with representatives from multiple federal departments, including the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia.
The centre provides the whole of government picture to decision makers during times of crisis, whether it is a natural disaster or security incident. The CCC coordinates physical Australian Government assistance during disasters and emergencies and also manages the National Security Hotline, the single point of contact for the public to report suspicious activity.
Contact:
Phone:
Email: