Queensland’s State Emergency Services gets its first ever Chief Officer

For the first time, Queensland’s SES will get a Chief Officer as the state deals with the aftermath of two ex-Tropical Cyclones that have wreaked devastation across the region.  

Commencing his role from next week, the newly appointed Chief Officer, Mark Armstrong, will help support the SES to undergo major reforms intended to enhance the delivery of disaster management in the state.  

“I am honoured to be selected to lead dedicated volunteers and staff of Queensland’s SES in their important work in support of communities across the State,” said Mr Armstrong.  

With over 25 years of experience across the ADF and the private sector, Mr Armstrong was most recently involved in leading the 2022 ADF response to the South-East Queensland floods.  

Currently, the state is undergoing a massive overhaul in terms of how the SES responds to disaster events. Reforms underway are meant to ensure that the state is better placed to deal with emergency management, now and into the future.  

As part of these reforms, SES and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) will be established as separate, individual entities to be hosted by the Queensland Police Service by mid-2024.  

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll noted the importance of the new emergency reforms.  

“The new emergency reforms, which are already well underway will streamline co-ordination and improve interoperability with existing capabilities in the QPS,” Commissioner Carroll said. 

“Unfortunately, Queensland has already faced significant weather events this season, and this impact has again, demonstrated how important our emergency services and partner agencies are in protecting Queenslanders and their communities.” 

Implementation of the new reforms would also mean that the SES will receive its own operational budget, more staff and necessary resources, including things such as safety equipment, vehicles and vessels.  

Queensland’s Police and Community Safety Minister Mark Ryan welcomed the appointment of Mr Armstrong to lead the reforms process.  

“Chief Officer Armstrong’s leadership skills and experience will help build on the important service that the SES provides across Queensland as well as assist in a reform work underway.”