Modern emergency management is a collaborative effort.
Emergency management in WA is a coordinated operation, as multiple organisations and all levels of government work together to maintain community safety and increase resilience against emergencies and disasters.
With an increased awareness of cross-border hazards, there are also joint initiatives in place across state and federal agencies.
National level
Show moreState and territory governments have primary responsibility for emergency management in their jurisdictions. However, when the total resources (government, community and commercial) of an affected state or territory cannot reasonably cope with the needs of the situation, they can seek assistance from the Australian Government.
The Minister for Emergency Management is responsible for national disaster-related matters.
Additionally, there are national plans that can be activated in support of WA’s emergency management arrangements, or under which WA emergency management agencies may provide assistance in response to national and international emergencies.
State level
Show moreThe Emergency Management Act 2005 (EM Act) established the creation of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) and the policy framework that supports all aspects of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
The SEMC State Emergency Management Framework is made up of legislation, policy, plans, procedures, guidelines and a governance structure to facilitate effective management of emergencies in WA.
District level
Show moreTo facilitate emergency management in Western Australia, local governments are grouped into 11 geographical emergency management districts. These districts are established by reference to the boundaries of local government districts in accordance with State EM Procedures.
The District Emergency Management Committee (DEMC) is to assist in the establishment and maintenance of effective EM arrangements in the district.
DEMCs are required to develop individual business plans that set out strategies to achieve key outcomes and are closely aligned to the State Emergency Management Committee Strategic Plan.
Find out more about DEMCs here.
Local level
Show moreLocal Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) are to be established by the local government to assist and provide advice in the development, review and testing of local EM arrangements).
LEMCs have a planning focus and are not operational or response orientated.
The LEMC is expected to escalate significant emergency management issues that arise at the local level to the DEMC representative for the area.
Find out more about LEMCs here.
