Emergency Management NSW (EMNSW)

Established in May 2009, Emergency Management NSW incorporates the functions of the former Office for Emergency Services, as well as the provision of new services.

Role of Emergency Management NSW

Emergency Management NSW (EMNSW) supports the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCon), State Emergency Recovery Controller (SERCon) and the State Rescue Board (SRB).

EMNSW also provides high level policy and executive support to the Minister for Emergency Services in relation to the emergency services portfolio, including policy advice and analysis, information and correspondence coordination and liaison with agencies, including the New South Wales Fire Brigades, New South Wales Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service. This role previously was carried out by the former Office for Emergency Services.

Following budget reforms to the Emergency Services portfolio in 2008, Emergency Management NSW has also assumed responsibility for the centralised billing and collection of legislated  contributions to the funding of the emergency service agencies from the insurance industry and Local Government.

The SEOCon's role is to coordinate support to combat agencies during emergency response operations and to control the response for specified events for which there is no designated combat agency.  The SERCon's role is to oversee the planning for, and management of, emergency recovery in NSW.  The SEMC is the principal committee for emergency management throughout the State and, in particular, is responsible for emergency planning at a State level.  The SRB is established to ensure the maintenance of efficient and effective rescue services throughout the State. 

EMNSW provides policy, administrative and operational support to the SEMC and its various Functional Area committees, along with the SRB and its sub-committees. It also provides operational support to the SEOCon and SERCon during emergency response and recovery respectively, particularly operational support to local, district and state level recovery committees.

EMNSW coordinates New South Wales input to Commonwealth Government emergency management programs and a range of research and awareness programs.  The organisation also administers and manages multi-million dollar emergency management grants.

Structure of the Office

Emergency Management NSW is led by a Director-General and comprises various divisions which support the roles of the agency.

More information on Emergency Management NSW contacts