The Legislation

Emergency management is not a choice for Local Government – it's a legislative requirement. Your understanding and application of emergency management is therefore very important.

The Emergency Management Act 2005 sets out the legislative requirements for emergency management in Western Australia. Local Government has specific responsibilities under The Act to perform certain duties. Because the EM Act binds the Crown, Local Government is now responsible for emergency management and recovery in Remote Aboriginal Communities (RIC's) within their Local Government boundaries.

Emergency Management Act Section 36

Functions of Local Government

It is a function of a Local Government —

1. Subject to this Act, to ensure that effective Local Emergency Management Arrangements are prepared and maintained for its district;
2. To manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district; and
3. To perform other functions given to the Local Government under this Act.

Emergency Management Act Section 34(1)

Local Governments May Combine

Two or more Local Governments may, with the approval of the SEMC, agree to unite for the purposes of emergency management.

Emergency Management Act Section 38(1)

Local Emergency Management Committees

1. A Local Government is to establish one or more local emergency management committees for the Local Government's district.

The Local Government Act 1995 Section 3.1(1)

The general function of Local Government is to provide for the good government of people in it's district.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 2005

http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/statutes/swans.nsf/5d62daee56e9e4b348256ebd0012c422/409754845ec8be9c4825708b0028de1f/$FILE/Emergency%20Management%20Act%202005.PDF