Understanding Victoria’s Legislative Framework for Managing Emergencies
Emergencies such as bushfires, floods, pandemics, and critical infrastructure disruptions require more than a frontline response. They necessitate a clear governance structure, defined responsibilities, and coordinated decision-making across government, agencies, and communities.
In Victoria, this structure is primarily established by the Emergency Management Act 2013, the key piece of legislation that sets out how emergencies are planned for, managed and recovered from at a state level.
Why the Emergency Management Act 2013 Was Introduced
The Act was introduced as part of major emergency management reforms intended to modernise Victoria’s approach and enhance coordination across agencies, particularly in response to significant events such as the 2009 bushfires.
Its long title states its purpose: to establish new governance arrangements for emergency management in Victoria and to amend related legislation.
Upon commencement on 1 July 2014, the Act reshaped Victoria’s emergency management system and replaced previous structures, including the Fire Services Commissioner framework.
The “All Hazards, All Agencies” Approach
Victoria’s emergency management arrangements under the Act adopt an “all hazards, all agencies” model, meaning the framework applies to any emergency and requires collaboration across multiple organisations.
This approach recognises that a single agency rarely manages emergencies alone, and that effective response depends on coordinated planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Key Bodies Established Under the Act
A primary function of the Act is to establish a governance structure that clarifies leadership and accountability during emergencies.
Emergency Management Victoria (EMV)
The Act established Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) as the state’s central emergency management authority.
EMV is responsible for:
- Coordinating emergency management planning across agencies
- Developing whole-of-government emergency management policy
- Advising the Minister for Emergency Services
- Supporting coordination of major fires, floods and other large-scale emergencies
In practice, EMV ensures that agencies collaborate effectively rather than operating independently.
Emergency Management Commissioner (EMC)
The Act created the role of Emergency Management Commissioner, responsible for statewide coordination of emergency response and recovery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring control arrangements are in place for major emergencies.
- Coordinating agencies involved in response and recovery
- Managing the escalation and consequences of large events
State Crisis and Resilience Council (SCRC)
The Act also established the State Crisis and Resilience Council, which serves as the peak advisory body providing strategic advice to the government on emergency management policy.
Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM)
In an independent assurance role, the Inspector-General monitors and evaluates the performance of the emergency management sector.
This oversight supports continuous improvement and accountability within the sector.
Classification of Emergencies
The legislation distinguishes between Class 1 and Class 2 emergencies.
- Class 1: Typically, major fires or incidents led by agencies such as CFA, FRV or VICSES.
- Class 2: All other emergencies requiring multi-agency coordination.
This classification determines control arrangements and leadership responsibilities during emergency incidents.
A Focus on Coordination, Not Just Response
A key shift introduced by the Act is the recognition that, although emergencies may not be preventable, their response must be coordinated and structured.
The legislation, therefore, emphasises:
- State-level planning and recovery arrangements
- Interoperability between emergency service organisations
- Collaboration across government, agencies and community stakeholders
How the Act Supports Relief and Recovery
Emergency management extends beyond immediate response.
Government departments provide relief programs, emergency accommodation, and psychosocial support as part of their recovery responsibilities within the broader emergency management framework.
Government departments provide relief programs, emergency accommodation, and psychosocial support as part of their recovery responsibilities within the broader emergency management framework.
The Commissioner also coordinates consequence management across social, economic, infrastructure, and environmental impacts following major emergencies.
Powers Available During Major Emergencies
The Act grants the government legal authority to take necessary action during serious incidents.
For example, it allows:
For example, it allows:
- Delegation of powers to Victoria Police during a declared disaster
- Restricting access to emergency areas or directing people to leave for safety
These powers enable rapid and coordinated action to protect life and property.
Relationship With Other Emergency Management Laws
Victoria’s emergency management system is supported by both the Emergency Management Act 2013 and earlier legislation, which currently operate in tandem as reforms continue to evolve.
The 2013 Act is widely regarded as the foundation for modernising the state’s emergency management governance.
Why This Legislation Matters for Organisations
For businesses, infrastructure operators and government entities, the Act provides the legislative backbone for:
- How agencies coordinate during crises
- How recovery is structured and funded
- How responsibilities are shared across sectors
- How resilience planning aligns with state arrangements
Emergency management represents a shared responsibility among communities, government agencies, and businesses.
As a result, organisational resilience planning must align with the state framework established by the Act.
How Resilient Services Can Help You Align With the Emergency Management Act 2013
Understanding the Emergency Management Act 2013 is only the first step; translating its requirements into practical, operational capability is a separate challenge.
Many organisations are uncertain about how the legislation applies to them, where their responsibilities lie, or whether their current plans would be effective during an actual emergency.
Resilient Services provides support in addressing these challenges.
We work with organisations across government, infrastructure, education and private industry to turn legislative intent into clear, actionable resilience frameworks, including:
- Reviewing your emergency management arrangements against Victorian requirements
- Developing or refining Emergency Management Plans aligned to state structures
- Facilitating exercises and simulations to test coordination and decision-making
- Conducting After-Action Reviews to strengthen continuous improvement
- Supporting governance, risk and compliance obligations linked to emergency readiness
- Helping executives understand their roles under the “all-agencies” model
Our approach ensures that your organisation is not only compliant on paper but also prepared to respond, adapt, and recover when disruption occurs.
Ready to Strengthen Your Organisation’s Preparedness?
Book a free 30-minute resilience consultation to understand your organisation’s position within Victoria’s emergency management framework and to identify practical steps for improved preparedness.