Recognised emergency management body

These bodies are specialised agencies set up by the government to handle situations like floods, fires, and other natural or man-made disasters. Their role is to plan for emergencies, coordinate responses, and help communities recover. Examples include the State Emergency Service which assists in natural disaster responses, and the Country Fire Authority which focuses on firefighting and community safety.

Emergency volunteers and community service leave

An employee who is a member of, or has a member-like association with, a recognised emergency management body can take unpaid community service leave to take part in a voluntary emergency management activity, such as fighting a bushfire or responding to a flood, plus reasonable travel and rest time. The employee must give notice as soon as practicable and, if asked, provide evidence. The leave is unpaid under the National Employment Standards, although some awards, agreements or employer policies pay it. For example, an SES volunteer called out to a storm can take community service leave.

Read our guide to community service leave.