- New Chair to oversee State's peak emergency management body
- Cook Government thanks former Chair for distinguished service and commitment
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson today announced the appointment of Ms Emma Cole as the new Chair of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC).
Ms Cole is the current Deputy Chair of the SEMC, and brings extensive experience in strategic leadership and contemporary governance, after spending two decades working in policy and local government positions.
The SEMC plays a pivotal role as a conduit between public sector leaders and the State's Hazard Management Authorities (HMAs). The SEMC also provides advice to the Emergency Services Minister on the compliance of State Government agencies in responding to Hazards and emergency situations, as well as the preparedness of Western Australia to responding to emerging incidents and hazards.
Ms Cole was appointed to the SEMC as an independent member and Deputy Chair in October 2020. Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams has been appointed as the Deputy Chair of the SEMC to maintain the important role that local government plays in emergency management.
Ms Cole replaces outgoing Chair Dr Ron Edwards, who has served in the role from 2017, guiding WA through difficult emergency events such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as the State Recovery Controller for the Wooroloo Bushfires.
Minister Dawson thanked Dr Edwards for his commitment and distinguished service to the Government during difficult times, and for fostering collaboration between Departments.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"I am pleased to appoint Ms Emma Cole as the new Chair of the State Emergency Management Committee.
"Emma is a valued and respected leader, and her knowledge and experience will be invaluable in her new role.
"I look forward to working collaboratively with Emma and the entire State Emergency Management Committee, to ensure we can help reduce the impact of emergencies in the community, and create a better prepared, more resilient and safer State.
"I thank Dr Edwards for his outstanding leadership and astute strategic direction in the role, which included guiding SEMC through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."
