New arrangements for managing emergencies in the ACT have been announced involving the Directors-General of all ACT administrative units.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the new system will be a whole-of-Government response to security and emergency matters with a view to making the processes as efficient and effective as possible.
Mr Gentleman said the Directors-General and the Under Treasurer would automatically be appointed to the Security and Emergency Management Senior Officials Group (SEMSOG), allowing the Territory to be better prepared in times of emergency.
He said a key focus of the new arrangement, which would be contained in an amendment to the Emergencies Act 2004, would ensure safety measures were taken in a timely manner.
“SEMSOG will also be given the additional role of liaising between Government and non-Government bodies in relation to ACT security functions, which will help the flow of communication during an emergency situation,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The changes will allow the Deputy Chief Minister to declare an emergency and appoint an emergency controller when the Chief Minister is unable to exercise these powers.”
He said the new law would also facilitate the appointment of an emergency controller, saving time in the event of an emergency, and proposed various other technical amendments to the Act.
