QCOSS welcomes the Emergency Services Reform Amendment Bill 2023 and recognises the substantial work that has underpinned these important reforms. However, the Bill does not harness the opportunity to more effectively embed community services into key coordination and disaster response activities. Although we are pleased there is a clear commitment to increased investment in vital emergency responders and agencies, there is a relative under-investment in the community sector.

QCOSS welcomes the concerted effort and considerable investment in emergency services and looks forward to working with government to ensure the unique skills of our sector can be sustainably funded and engaged in this context.