Defining Queensland's Adf Gap and Implications in Contemporary Disaster Response
Tracks
Norfolk Room
| Monday, July 14, 2025 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:40 PM |
Overview
Dr Mark Armstrong, Queensland State Emergency Service
Details
Key Presentation Learnings:
1. The ADF will continue to be available to support domestic disaster response but not likely in the same way or scale as during 2019-2022.
2. The key components of the gap relate to the ‘boots on the ground’ and the ‘presence and profile’ provided by the ADF
3. Action is underway by various local, state and federal entities to fill the ADF gap but more can be done.
Speaker
Dr Mark Armstrong
Chief Officer
QLD State Emergency Service
Defining Queensland's ADF gap and implications in contemporary disaster response.
Abstract
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has historically and regularly participated in domestic disaster response across the nation. This included significant participation in the 1974 Cyclone Tracy, 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the 2009-2010 Qld Weather events. However, the period of 2019-2022 saw a significant shift in ADF posture in relation to ADF domestic disaster response. This change saw large scale ADF participation in the 2019-2020 Bushfires, COVID-19 response and the 2022 South East Queensland and Northern NSW floods. The ADF would be more proactive, respond in larger numbers and engage in a wider array of tasks.
However, the 2023 Defence Strategic Review flagged an update in priorities for the ADF. The ADF needed to refocus on its core business of warfighting and therefore Defence must only be a ‘force of last resort’ for domestic disasters. This change has seen a much smaller ADF contribution to recent disasters; a ‘gap’ that must be filled by other agencies.
This presentation examines the ADF support provided to Queensland during disasters in the period 2019-2020 and compared with the period 2023-2025 to discern the main elements of the ADF gap. The initiatives underway to bridge the gaps will be discussed along with the implications for the Queensland Police Service, Marine Rescue Queensland and the State Emergency Service.
However, the 2023 Defence Strategic Review flagged an update in priorities for the ADF. The ADF needed to refocus on its core business of warfighting and therefore Defence must only be a ‘force of last resort’ for domestic disasters. This change has seen a much smaller ADF contribution to recent disasters; a ‘gap’ that must be filled by other agencies.
This presentation examines the ADF support provided to Queensland during disasters in the period 2019-2020 and compared with the period 2023-2025 to discern the main elements of the ADF gap. The initiatives underway to bridge the gaps will be discussed along with the implications for the Queensland Police Service, Marine Rescue Queensland and the State Emergency Service.
Biography
Dr Mark Armstrong, CSC was appointed as the Chief Officer, Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) in February 2024. He led the transition of the SES to the Queensland Police Service in June 2024 and the SES response to the North Queensland Floods in February 2025. Previously, as senior Australian Army Reserve officer he commanded the Queensland component of the ADF support to the 2022 South-East Queensland floods and Operation COVID-19 Assist. Dr Armstrong holds Master’s Degrees in Business, HR, Arts and Security Studies. He recently completed a PhD examining the contribution and reform of the Australian Army Reserve since 2000.
