Surf Life Saving Queensland to be recognised in disaster management legislation

25 August 2011

Partner and Sports Law expert John Mullins reports on the State Government announcement that Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) will become the first surf life saving organisation in Australia to be formally recognised in disaster management legislation. The move is part of the Government's response to the flood inquiry.

Surf Life Saving Queensland

Surf Life Saving Queensland is the state's peak beach safety and rescue authority and is one of the largest volunteer-based community service organisations in Australia. Established in 1930, it is the governing body for surf lifesaving in Queensland, comprising 59 affiliated surf life saving clubs in six regional branches and supporters' clubs, with more than 200,000 members.

SLSQ is built on a fundamental principle: to save lives. This commitment was clearly evident in the enormous assistance provided during the recent floods and cyclone. Its operations present significant opportunities for partnership including two helicopters, water craft including inflatable rescue boats and rescue jet skis, all-terrain and 4WD vehicles, a range of lifesaving equipment and 35,000 volunteers.

Surf lifesavers will always remain focused on Queensland beaches but the vital role played by the organisation and its emergency response trained groups stationed across the state in the recent disasters has led to the decision that SLSQ will now sit at the table as a member of the State Disaster Management Group.

Disaster Management Legislation

The disaster management legislation will be amended to formalise the role and involvement of SLSQ in the State Disaster Management Group before the start of the next wet season. An agreement will also be developed to integrate surf lifesavers' capabilities into Queensland's disaster management framework.

The Government stated that the use of SLSQ's facilities would supplement, not replace, the need for additional emergency services and equipment to support the implementation of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

For more information on this or any other sports related matter, please contact:

John Mullins | Partner
Mullins Lawyers
t +61 7 3224 0210
f +61 7 3224 0333
jmullins@mullinslaw.com.au