Emergency services staff and volunteers are to be better supported under new laws announced by Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman.
Mr Gentleman said the changes picked up on recommendations made by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate in its review of the Emergencies Act 2004 and was aimed at improving the Territory’s response to emergencies and keep the city safe and informed.
He said the new Bill would support emergency responders and empower the Minister to appoint a Recovery Coordinator to help the community to recover from an emergency.
He said the Bill would also strengthen employment protections for emergency service volunteers who were victimised at their paid workplace as a result of their volunteering duties during emergencies.
The Minister said the amendments would broaden the scope of the Bushfire Council to advise on all natural hazards; empower chief officers to compel community members to assist emergency workers, including police officers, during an emergency; and require any declaration of a state of alert or a state of emergency to be broadcast on social media channels, as well as on television and radio.
Mr Gentleman said the Bill created the new senior leadership position of Assistant Emergency Services Commissioner within the Emergency Services Agency.
The Directorate’s 24-page Review Report, released in September, can be accessed at this PS News link.
