Australian Capital Territory
Emergencies (Bushfire Council Members) Appointment 2013 (No 2)
Disallowable instrument DI2013—236
made under the  
Emergencies Act 2004, s 129 (Bushfire council members)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Bushfire Council, established under section 127 of the Emergencies Act 2004, has the function of advising the Minister about matters relating to bushfires.

Under section 129 (1) of the Emergencies Act 2004 the Minister must appoint members of the Bushfire Council. Under section 129 (2) the Minister must try to ensure that people with particular skills, interests and experience are among the members appointed. The appointments are made according to these requirements.

Mr Kevin Jeffery has provided strong leadership and a significant level of contribution and expertise to the ACT Bushfire Council as the incumbent Chairperson. He has been a member of the ACT Bushfire Council for over 17 years, and has been a member of the Southern ACT volunteer bushfire brigade for 26 years holding various positions including Senior Deputy Captain for the past eleven years. Mr Jeffery has experience in fire suppression and command of firefighting teams, hazard reductions, management of volunteer brigades, and development of bushfire strategy and policy development.

The instrument appoints Mr Kevin Jeffery as the Chairperson of the Bushfire Council. The appointment commences on 1 October 2013 for a period of three (3) years and expires on 30 September 2016.

Mr Kevin Jeffery is not a public servant as defined under the Legislation Act 2001.

The Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety has been consulted on the appointment as required under the provisions of the Legislation Act 2001. The Committee advised that it had no concerns with the appointment.