The ACT Government has accepted all 35 recommendations of a review of the 2019-2020 Bushfire Season conducted by the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the Agency Operational Review of the Bushfire Season 2019/20 was conducted by Deputy Commissioner of the ESA, Ray Johnson to improve the Territory’s emergency management system.
“Changes to the Emergency Act 2004 streamline and clarify the appointment, function and powers of the emergency controller and will help foster a culture of continuous improvement,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The maximum period an emergency controller may be appointed has been extended from seven to 28 days when a state of emergency has not been declared,” he said.
“There is no limit on how long an emergency controller may be appointed during a state of emergency.
Mr Gentleman said the changes would also allow for the appointment of a deputy emergency controller.
“We have seen the enormous strain on emergency controllers in 2020,” he said.
“This support role will provide them with backup and relief when needed.”
He said the ESA had worked with the Human Rights Commission to strengthen the human rights framework that dealt with the power exercised by the emergency controller.
“The Chief Minister and Minister for Police and Emergency Services can now revoke any emergency declaration and the appointment of the emergency controller if they decide it is no longer necessary.”
Mr Gentleman said the emergency controller must advise the Chief Minister and Minister for Police and Emergency Services at least every seven days about the status of the emergency and whether the declaration of the state of alert or emergency was still necessary.
ESA’s 121-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
