The National Search and Rescue Council is a cooperative body that is responsible for the national search and rescue response arrangements in Australia.
The Council members are from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Defence Force and state, territory and federal police.
These organisations signed an Inter‑Governmental Agreement confirming its role as the national coordinating body for search and rescue.
50 years of national search and rescue
In 2026, we mark 50 years of nationally coordinated search and rescue, recognising the enduring collaboration between Commonwealth, state and territory agencies, Defence, industry and volunteers.
The Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Emergency Management, on five decades of national search and rescue cooperation in Australia.
- Video transcript
Hello, I'm Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
This year marks an important milestone: 50 years of national search and rescue collaboration in Australia.
For five decades, Australians from search and rescue authorities have worked together to help people in distress, save lives and bring our loved ones home. More recently volunteer organisations have been brought into the folds of national search and rescue – this has been a valuable addition to national capability. I thank each and every one of you for your contribution.
As Federal Member for Eden-Monaro in southern New South Wales, I've seen firsthand the role of emergency and rescue service personnel in keeping Australians safe, and the strength of communities coming together to support one another when it matters most.
As we look to the future, continued and strengthened national collaboration will ensure Australia maintains a world-class search and rescue system for generations to come.
Congratulations on this significant milestone, and thank you again for your dedication and service.
