We are supported by an expert Advisory Panel that comprises executive representatives from Victorian government departments and agencies with fuel and land management responsibilities as well as four independent knowledge experts with technical expertise in bushfire risk modelling and management, fire ecology, community behaviour change, land use planning, and other specialist capabilities.
The Emergency Management Commissioner is a standing member of the Advisory Panel representing Emergency Management Victoria, ensuring linkages to Victoria’s integrated emergency management arrangements and associated preparedness and assurance activities.
The Panel provides advice to the DEECA Secretary on agreed priority focus areas to assist us in effectively acquitting its accountability to lead and coordinate the implementation of evidence-based bushfire risk management across all public and private land in Victoria.
The Panel is appointed by the Minister for Environment and we provide secretariat support. The Panel meets quarterly or as required.
The inaugural Advisory Panel members appointed in 2021 are:
| Government Department / Knowledge expert / Skill | Member |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Gary Morgan AM AFSM |
| Chief Fire Officer - DEECA | Chris Hardman |
| Deputy Chief Fire Officer - CFA | Alen Slijepcevic |
| Deputy Commissioner Central, South, and East Operations – FRV | Gavin Freeman |
| Executive Director, Emergency coordination and resilience – DJSIR | Rachaele May |
| Chief, Network operations – DTP | Brett Langley |
| Bushfire risk modelling and management expert | Dr Trent Penman |
| Fire ecology expert | Naomi Stephens |
| Community behaviour change expert | Dr Katharine Haynes |
| Land use planning expert | Gabby McMillan |
| Emergency Management Commissioner – EMV (ex officio member) | Andrew Crisp |
| Secretary – DEECA (standing observer) | John Bradley |
| Director, OBRM (standing observer) | Courtney Bertram |
Reviewed 05 January 2023