The Queensland government has given Y2K the same emergency status as natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and plagues.
Passed today, the legislation gives the State Counter Disaster Organisation authority to respond to any Y2K, man-made or terrorist disruption.
Other disasters listed in the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act include flood, earthquake, seismic sea wave, cyclone, storm, tornado, eruption, infestation, plague or epidemic, fire or oil spill.
Y2K is the first non-natural disaster to qualify for emergency response under the Act.
Emergency Services Minister Merri Rose said the amendment would cover all wide reaching effects potentially caused by Y2K such as dam failures, terrorist acts or electricity distribution.