Changes to the policy include:
- The document structure now aligns with the ‘before, during and after’ lifecycle of emergencies
- A new Principles section has been added to guide emergency management planning
- Service-specific requirements have changed
- Home-based requirements have been extended to carers residing interstate
- The transitional note for transferred Supported Independent Living and Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance Providers has been removed following the transition of disability accommodation and respite services to non-government providers
- Responsibilities for DFFH-owned specialist disability accommodation and short-term respite have been revised
- Relocation and notification requirements have been updated
- Services required to relocate ahead of a forecast Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Day must enact their plans from 9:00am (previously at 9:00am) the day before.
- New DFFH Emergency Relocation Hotline number for South Division.
The revised policy is effective from 1 October 2026.
rgency preparedness attestation for funded organisations
Funded organisations (in scope of this policy) can access and complete the online Emergency Preparedness Attestation form in the Service Agreement Module through My Agency on the Funded Agency Channel website.
Organisations must attest by 30 November 2026.
To view the policy, steps on how to complete your attestation and accompanying resources, visit Social services sector emergency management responsibilities.
For more information or if you have any questions, please email empolicy@dffh.vic.gov.au.