Australian Capital Territory
Emergencies (Bushfire Council Members) Appointment 2013 (No 4)
Disallowable instrument DI2013–238
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.

Ms Natalie Hile has seven years experience in rural and urban firefighting with both the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the ACT Rural Fire Service. Ms Hile holds a qualification in Quality Assurance Control in fire control systems as well as logistic and training officer qualifications. She was second in command at an urban fire station in Queensland where she also acted as first officer. Ms Hile has been deployed on a number of interstate task forces including the NSW 2001-2002 fires, and has commanded up to 10 vehicles and 50 firefighters at large incidents.

The instrument appoints Ms Natalie Hile as a Member of the Bushfire Council. The appointment commences on 1 October 2013 for a period of three (3) years and expires on 30 September 2016.

Ms Natalie Hile 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.