Emergency Services Deployments to Queensland

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:30): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Can the minister update the council about the largest single South Australian storm and flood deployment in more than a decade?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:30): I am very happy that we get to end on this note. I am very proud to update the chamber on how our dedicated and selfless emergency services have been assisting Queensland with the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It was a pleasure to personally see off 53 members of our emergency services from Adelaide Airport last week who were on their way to provide their essential support to South East Queensland communities. This was one of the largest deployments that we had seen in almost a decade.

Local crews landed in Brisbane before heading off to affected areas across Queensland. Of these 53, there were 31 SES, 19 CFS and three MFS volunteers and personnel as part of a multiagency approach. Knowing they were in for flash flooding, heavy rains and destructive winds, this brave crew put up their hands to leave their families and friends at home to step up and help. This deployment was followed by three more deployments from our emergency services agencies, with over 100 staff and volunteers travelling to Queensland to assist with the flood response.

South Australians should be very proud that our emergency services sector is punching well above its weight in its willingness to help interstate colleagues and agencies as this was the biggest deployment of its kind interstate since 2011 following Cyclone Yasi in North Queensland. This is off the back of nearly 100 volunteers and staff returning home in recent weeks after providing crisis support around the nation. In total, that brings us to almost 200 brave personnel who paused their day-to-day jobs, spending their time away from family and friends to put the safety of others ahead of their own by travelling to Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

To each and every one of these volunteers and personnel, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude from the Malinauskas Labor government. We are truly grateful for your service, showcasing that South Australia will always step up and help when needed.