The State Emergency Service was formed originally during the Second World War and were known as The Civil Defence. The organisation consisted mainly of men who were too old or medically unfit for active duty. Their roles were mainly rescue of people trapped in bombed buildings and preparing their communities for such events. In Australia there wasn't to many attacks on the mainland however the CD were prepared to defend their homes and families from any possible invading force.

In 1961 it was decided to rename the Civil Defence as the role was changing and it became the Civil Defence and Emergency Service of Western Australia. It was in 1974 that the name was changed to its current title and assigned roles for the service to provide to the communities around the country. These roles are divided into Lead Combat Authority, Combat Authority and Support.

The SES in Western Australia has the Lead Combat Authority for Earthquake, Cyclone, Flood, Storm and Civil Defence. The SES had Combat Authority for Land Search, Cliff and Cave Rescue, Road Accident Rescue (In some areas) and Evacuations. Our support roles include Airborne Searchers, Bushfire Support, Welfare and Communications for other services. We also have a large number of duties which fall into the miscellaneous category, these include Car v House accidents, Animal Rescues and anything else that is asked of us, USUALLY.