The Territory Labor Government is focussed on keeping our community safe and services staffed.
Today, the Fire and Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 has been introduced in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
In late 2023, the Territory Labor Government announced that the tri-service of the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF), Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) will be split, and a Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Series will be appointed.
This Bill is the first step to achieving this commitment, and strengthens the Territory Labor Governments focus on addressing the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour by creating the sole portfolio of Police.
The separation also allows NTFRS and NTES to better focus on building their capability to protect the Territory community, and industries critical to our economy.
Further, this bill makes amendments to allow for the appointment of a Fire and Emergency Service Commissioner to ensure the operational requirements of the NT Fire and Rescue and NT Emergency Services are upheld.
This Bill makes changes to section 30 of the Fire and Emergency Act 1996, which details the requirements to issue a permit to light a fire in an emergency response area. There are some operational challenges with implementing the current provisions.
This Bill also seeks to remedy these difficulties and allow processes to be better aligned with similar permits issued under the Bushfires Management Act.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Brent Potter:
“The Territory Labor Government understands crime and anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent issue facing the Territory right now, as such our Government is taking further action to support the Police Command to focus on these issues.
“This legislation also allows for a Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner to be appointed, ensuring those critical services continue to be rolled out to the highest standard.
“By splitting the tri-service we are ensuring that all emergency services get the correct funding needed to make sure we can keep Territorians safe.”
Northern Territory Government
