In late 2023, the Northern Territory Government announced a restructuring of emergency services in the Northern Territory.
This restructure involved separating the Northern Territory Police Force from the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Territory Emergency Service. This has established a new position of Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services.
The Fire and Emergency Services Amendment Act 2024 here was passed in the March 2024 Sittings of the Legislative Assembly, and the new Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services agency was established from 27 March 2024.
Mr Andrew Warton has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, effective from today.
Mr Warton was formally a Chief Officer of the Northern Territory Emergency Service and brings to the role a wealth of leadership and management experience in law enforcement and crisis management, including in major flood and cyclone emergencies across the Territory.
A national recruitment campaign to appoint an ongoing Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner is currently underway, with the position open for applications until 21 April 2024. The recruitment process is anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2024.
Mr Warton’s appointment is crucial during this transitional phase. His expertise in high level strategic management, leadership and guidance to NTFES employees will help ensure a smooth transition to the new service structure.
