The State Emergency Management Framework provides a governance structure to facilitate effective management of emergencies in Western Australia. The State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) is responsible for ensuring the Framework remains contemporary, fit for purpose, and compliant with the Emergency Management Act 2005 and Emergency Management Regulations 2006.

A comprehensive review of the suite of State emergency management (EM) documents (Comprehensive Framework Review) must be conducted at least every five years, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with State EM Preparedness Procedures 3.1–3.5. The next five-year Comprehensive Framework Review is scheduled for 2026.

A key lesson from the 2021 Comprehensive Framework Review was the need for a clearly defined strategic approach and scope. Since then, the emergency management landscape has evolved significantly, with systemic risks—such as climate change, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions—gaining prominence alongside traditional hazard-specific risks. In response to these evolving conditions, the SEMC has revised its Strategic Plan (2026-2029), placing greater emphasis on resilience, preparedness, and the management of both hazard-specific and systemic risks.

The upcoming 2026 Comprehensive Framework Review provides a critical opportunity to strategically consider these developments and their implications, ensuring that Western Australia’s emergency management arrangements remain robust, adaptive, and aligned with both current and emerging priorities.