From its beginning in 1961 until November 1973, the Queensland Civil Defence Organisation (QCDO) was 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 QCDO was activated to assist in disaster relief.

[3] In accordance with section 14 of the Act, the SES was established because there was a need for a service that was capable of dealing with natural disasters, separate to a civil defence role.

[4][5] During 2002–03 the Department of Emergency Services undertook a comprehensive review of the State Counter-Disaster Organisation Act 1975 in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

[6] In October 2022, following a review by State Disaster Coordinator Steve Gollschewski, it was announced the QFES would be dissolved in June 2024, resulting in the largest reform of emergency services in Queensland since 1990.

[16] Citations are worn centrally, 5 mm above the nameplate on the right breast pocket of service shirts, tunics and coats.