Ministerial media releases

The NSW Government has today announced that it will introduce laws to simplify rules for landowners seeking to mitigate bushfire risks on their properties and give the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner sweeping new powers to direct hazard reduction activities.

The NSW Government has released the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which examined the causes, preparation and response to the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.

• 200825 Gladys Berejiklian John Barilaro David Elliott med rel - NSW Government releases Bushfire Inquiry Report.pdf (246.8 KB)

Emergency services workers and volunteers across regional NSW will be better equipped to continue their dedicated service ahead of the upcoming bushfire season following the official opening of four new fire stations, the handover of four new fire trucks, and a boost for paid positions to fast-track hazard reduction.

• 200819 David Elliott med rel -- Four regional fire stations opened in two days.pdf (428.7 KB)

The way large scale evacuations in NSW are carried out is set to change with the introduction of a number of safety initiatives to protect the health and lives of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 200722 David Elliott med rel -- NSW launches COVID-safe evacuation plan.pdf (153.5 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today announced Rob Rogers AFSM has been endorsed as the new NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner, following a period of exemplary service as Acting Commissioner in the lead-up to the next bush fire season.

• 200716 David Elliott med rel - Rob Rogers endorsed as RFS Commissioner.pdf (152.2 KB)

A Detective Superintendent who has led investigations into serious crimes including the Milperra massacre and Cronulla Riots, a veteran State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer who has responded to bushfires, landslides and tornados, and a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) captain with 60 years’ service, are just some of the first responders honoured today in the Queen’s Birthday list.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has announced Rob Rogers as the new NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, following 40 years as a member and nine years as Deputy Commissioner, serving in the latter role during the 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfire season.

• Rob Rogers to become new RFS Commissioner (154.6 KB)

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the creation of a new NSW Government agency, Resilience NSW, which will drive world-leading disaster preparedness and recovery approach for the NSW community.

• RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons to lead new Resilience NSW agency (152.3 KB)

The NSW Government will give an additional $220,000 to BlazeAid and local government partners to enhance support for bushfire affected communities in northern NSW.

• 191117 Dominic Perrottet and David Elliott med rel - $220,000 to support bushfi....pdf (151.5 KB)

A state of the art training facility for rural firefighters was unveiled today to deliver expert qualifications for the men and women who put their lives on the line protecting regional communities.

• David Elliott med rel -- New RFS training centre opens in Dubbo.pdf (153.7 KB)