Australian Capital Territory
Emergencies (Bushfire Council Members) Appointment 2013 (No 8)
Disallowable instrument DI2013–242
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 Nicola Lewis is a member of Gungahlin RFS Brigade and is currently the Secretary and Membership Officer for the Volunteer Brigades Association. She is also a Trainer and Assessor for RFS Basic Firefighter Course (including validation of competencies) for all ACTRFS Volunteers. Her work as a volunteer firefighter and trainer provides the ACT Bushfire Council with invaluable experience and insight from an operational perspective. She has experience in leadership roles in fire suppression, hazard reductions, management and training of volunteer brigades.

The instrument appoints Ms Nicola Lewis 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 Nicola Lewis 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.