Disaster Management College commitment delivered

The Regional College of Disaster Management will be delivered following the signing of a partnership with the Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI).

Queensland Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the specialised training would be delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s overall commitment to enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster management personnel.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services for all Queenslanders, and that includes giving specialised training to disaster management crews,” Mr Dempsey said.

“We are committing $11 million toward the partnership that will deliver the Regional College of Disaster Management.

“It fills an important gap that was left by the previous Labor government.”

Mr Dempsey said the announcement was through a partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Emergency Management Institute.

“The partnership with the Federal Coalition Government will provide an opportunity to up skill a new generation of disaster management professionals,” Mr Dempsey said.

“This model of training delivery is the first of its kind offered by the Queensland Government and will provide further important professional development.

“Training will be delivered both online and at venues in Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton.”

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan welcomed the partnership as part of the Coalition Government’s wider commitment to a safer and more secure Australia.

“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring Australia is well prepared for any natural disaster,” Mr Keenan said.

“Disaster management is a challenging field and it’s vital that we provide opportunities like this so that when disaster strikes, management officers are well-trained and ready to support their communities,” Mr Keenan said.

“I’m confident that this new partnership will enhance Queensland’s mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.”

The advanced diploma will cover a range of subjects, including: building community relationships; managing multi-agency response; developing emergency management exercises; and organising public safety awareness programs to help build strong, prepared, resilient communities.

The graduate certificate will focus on high-level leadership knowledge and skills for application across preparation, prevention, response and recovery phases of disaster management.

[ENDS] 9 April 2014

Media Contacts:

Andrew Blow 0408 912 821 (Minister Dempsey’s office)

Emily Broadbent 0400 390 008 (Minister Keenan’s office)