Civil Defence and SES
As you may be aware, the SES takes its formation roots from the Civil Defence Organisation created during World War II. It is interesting to see how little has changed over the years natural disasters still create major catastrophes, and it is Volunteers who respond in the largest numbers. Below is excerpt for the Australian Civil Defence Handbook General Information. Directorate of Civil Defence1972.
THE CONCEPT OF CIVIL DEFENCE
1.01. The concept of Civil Defence is well proven. Throughout the world it has stood the test of war and emergency. It has shown its effectiveness both at local community level and on a national scale. It is basically a voluntary organisation in which the people join with Government to provide a community service to help all citizens in times of emergency.
1.02. Its aim, which to all intents and purposes is common to all countries of the world, may be defined as follows:
To provide for coordinated, efficient and prompt use of all available resources in the event of an enemy attack or natural disaster, in order to reduce to a minimum loss of life, damage to property and interruption to the national effort.
1.03. The danger of an enemy attack on Australia at the present time is remote. However, international situations seldom stand still; they are subject to constant change. Thus, in the interests of national security it is wise to maintain a measure of preparedness. This is particularly so nowadays when the preparations required to meet an attack from modern weapons cannot be completed quickly. It is for this reason that Australia has adopted a conscious policy of steady but sound progress in the Civil Defence field.
1.04. But war is not the only eventuality against which we must plan. Year in, year out, our country is subjected to the ravages of natural disasters such as floods, fires, cyclones, local accidents and sometimes even earthquakes.
These natural disasters almost invariably take their toll of life, property, and national resources. The costs involved frequently run into millions of dollars. We cannot afford this loss to the nation, especially when the plans and preparations of an effective Civil Defence organization (coordinated with those of other agencies) can do so much in terms of protection and mitigation. Indeed, over recent years the Civil Defence Services which are now spread throughout the districts, shires and municipalities of the nation have more than proved their worth. Given the continued support of good citizens, they will go on doing so.
1.05. However, the effectiveness of Civil Defence cannot be maintained without considerable application and effort. For one thing, the precise problem which Civil Defence may have to face at any given time, either in natural disaster or war, is extremely difficult to define. For another, the scale of damage, destruction and casualties involved may range from something which is manageable in everyday terms to something which is nationally catastrophic. It follows that the organisation must be adaptable and resilient, which in turn demands that its development should be based on strong and clear principles.
