Released 25/10/2018
Today in the Legislative Assembly I introduced the Emergencies Amendment Bill 2018 to ensure that the ACT’s emergency and security management processes are as efficient and effective as possible.
The ACT Government is committed to the safety of all Canberrans. This Bill will allow the Territory to be better prepared in times of emergency.
The Bill introduced amends the Emergencies Act 2004, which establishes the ACT’s emergency management arrangements.
A key focus of the Bill will be to ensure a whole of government approach to emergency and security management, and enable processes to ensure safety measures are taken in a timely manner.
Under amendments proposed by the Bill, the Director-Generals of all ACT administrative units, as well as the Under Treasurer, will automatically be appointed to the Security and Emergency Management Senior Officials Group (SEMSOG).
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.
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.
The Bill will also facilitate the appointment of an emergency controller, saving time in the event of an emergency, and proposes various other technical amendment to the Emergencies Act 2004.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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