Established in 1975, the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) evolved from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation that had been in operation since 1961.  

The Queensland Civil Defence Organisation was originally set up to deal with emergencies in the event of a nuclear war. In November 1973, a tornado caused considerable damage in the Brisbane area and the Civil Defence Organisation was activated to assist for the first time in disaster relief. Following this was the 1974 devastating flooding event which impacted Brisbane.  

In 1975, the state government introduced the State Counter-Disaster Organisation Act 1975 (SCDO Act), which was proclaimed on 11 December 1975. 'The SCDO Act established two organisations, the State Counter Disaster Organisation and the SES. 

The SES was established because the government recognised the need for a centralised service that could support a response to natural disasters, as well as undertaking a civil defence role in the event of armed aggression against the Australian mainland. 

During 2002-2003 the Department of Emergency Services undertook a comprehensive review of the SCDO Act in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. The review resulted in the development of the Disaster Management Act 2003 (DM Act). The DM Act repealed and replaced the SCDO Act when it began by proclamation on 31 March 2004. 

The DM Act maintained many elements of the existing system established under the SCDO Act, while adding contemporary elements such as a focus on comprehensive disaster management, which includes disaster mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.  

While initially focused on flood response, the role of SES has expanded over time to cover a range of emergency and non-emergency situations, including storms, cyclones, land searches, community engagement and other support to partner agencies. The organisation is now a key part of Queensland’s broader emergency management capability. 

SES has played a key support role in responding to major emergencies, including 2010-11 Queensland Floods, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Oswald and associated flooding in 2013, TC Debbie in 2017, Queensland bushfires in 2019, Covid response in 2020, major Queensland flooding in 2022, Cyclone Jasper in 2023, and South Queensland severe storms 2023. 

On 3 June 2024, as part of major Emergency Service reforms, Queensland SES transitioned from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to Queensland Police Service. The State Emergency Service Bill 2023 was passed by Queensland Parliament on 2 May 2024, emphasising the value of the SES to Queensland communities.