STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Can the minister provide details of a new unit to be set up as part of the State Emergency Service?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:01): I thank the member for Reynell for this question and acknowledge her constant effort in trying to keep her community aware of what to do when an emergency unfolds. I was particularly impressed with how quickly she put together flyers to alert older people in her community when the heatwave struck a few years ago.

I am pleased to advise the house that a new Community Engagement Unit has been set up to focus on ensuring that South Australians are aware of the threat of emergencies and how they should prepare for and respond to them. This is funded jointly by the state, local and commonwealth governments. The unit, which is part of the State Emergency Service, will help communities like Adelaide's southern suburbs raise awareness about emergencies such as floods and extreme weather. It will ensure that communities are made aware of and receive useful information to prepare themselves well in advance of an emergency.

The unit builds on the success of the SES FloodSafe team, which began in 2009. Comprising State Emergency Service personnel and volunteers, this team was very successful in reaching into communities to raise awareness in flood-prone areas. Some of the invaluable work it undertook included street corner and community group meetings, the development of internet sites and brochures, media liaison and school education.

With so much achieved, it seemed appropriate to consolidate the team's success and give the team a recognised identity as well as a permanent base at Adelaide Airport. The unit will be run in much the same way as other SES units, except that instead of having an operational focus it will focus solely on connecting with and educating the community. This includes providing advice and support to SES units on volunteer recruitment and retention, along with raising awareness amongst South Australians.

Not everyone wants or is able to volunteer on the front line in an emergency. This new unit will provide people who previously did not or could not put up their hands with a chance to be involved with the dedicated and professional organisation that is our State Emergency Service. People with good communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills would be especially well suited to roles within the unit. Anyone who wants more information about becoming an SES volunteer should phone the Volunteer Services Branch on 1300 364 587.

On the subject of the State Emergency Service, I wish to advise the house that 24 volunteers and two staff left this morning for Perth to assist with the wild weather they are currently experiencing over there. As a community we are indebted to the selfless efforts of our volunteers, and I know that our neighbours in Western Australia will also appreciate the helping hand. I wish them a safe journey and return home.