The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) Commissioner will be given stronger emergency coordination powers through a Bill introduced by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell.

 

The move to improve and refine arrangements for the management and coordination of emergency response in the ACT, with the Commissioner at the forefront, comes after reports from recent national disasters, highlighted the need to clarify and strengthen emergency coordination between agencies.

 

Mr Corbell said if passed, the Emergencies (Commissioner's Directions) Bill 2012 will provide the ESA Commissioner with the necessary authority to give directions to the ACT's four Chief Officers in circumstances where the scale and complexity of the emergency is, or is likely to be, significant and may exceed the traditional scope of one or more emergency service.

 

"There are currently clearly established responsibilities for the Chief Officers in relation to the range of different hazards that exist in the Territory, but the existing functions of the Commissioner only provide for the overall strategic direction, management and preparedness of the emergency services," he said.

 

"Under the proposed changes, the ESA Commissioner may direct a Chief Officer to provide additional resources to ensure the optimum capability of the Territory is made available to respond.

 

"This is about ensuring the ACT's emergency personnel have all arrangements in place for clear direction and authority if a significant emergency were to occur, allowing for stronger coordination by the ESA Commissioner."

 

Mr Corbell said the Bill followed the ACT Government's detailed consideration of the findings and lessons learned from recent flooding and bushfire disasters throughout Australia including the 2009 Victorian bushfires, the 2010-11 Victorian floods, the 2011 Queensland floods as well as considering contemporary emergencies legislation across Australia.

 

"These proposed changes address the benefits of centralised coordination of the ACT's emergency services identified in this research, will bolster resources, and provide the Canberra community with a strengthened and effective multi-agency response to future emergency events," he said.