Singapore and WA strengthen emergency services partnership

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has strengthened ties with its Singaporean counterparts, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will extend a long-standing relationship beyond two decades.
  • DFES and Singapore Civil Defence Force renew fruitful interagency relationship
  • Long-standing partnership extended to 2028
  • MOU to strengthen information sharing and leadership development opportunities

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has strengthened ties with its Singaporean counterparts, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will extend a long-standing relationship beyond two decades.  

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson and Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM visited the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) today to formally renew the MOU for five years at a signing ceremony.

DFES and SCDF have shared a fruitful interagency relationship since 2005, swapping firefighting tactics and techniques, exchanging staff for personal and professional development and collaborating on research programs.

DFES has also hosted officers from the SCDF as part of a joint leadership program designed to expose senior personnel from both organisations to international emergency management arrangements, innovations and training resources.

Under the MOU, Singapore can provide Urban Search and Rescue surge support for major incidents in Western Australia. 

Mr Dawson and Commissioner Klemm met with SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap to discuss additional opportunities the long-term partnership could present.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson MLC:

"For decades, Australia has shared a highly fruitful relationship with Singapore on several fronts including trade, defence, science and education.

"Given Western Australia's proximity to Singapore, it's vital we continue to work closely together in the emergency services space to collaboratively complete projects that upskill our personnel and create innovative solutions to the effects of natural disasters.

"The Memorandum of Understanding provides a vital partnership between DFES and SCDF that only continues to strengthen as the years pass."  

Comments attributed to Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM: 

"It was a privilege to meet my Singaporean counterpart today and sign a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between DFES and SCDF. 

"The MOU sets out a commitment to sharing ideas and expertise, professional development of staff and the facilitation of collaborative projects that benefit both parties.  

"Studying other's working environments - which are very different - helps ensure DFES is at the forefront of technological and operational developments in the emergency services space."

Minister's office - 6552 5800


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