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New Emergency Services Commissioner appointed
United Kingdom police veteran Michael Hallowes has been appointed as Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan made the official announcement of Mr Hallowes' appointment today.
Mr Ryan said the appointment was a coup for Victoria's emergency services and that Mr Hallowes had been the outstanding candidate for the role.
"Mr Hallowes' vast experience in emergency management through 30 years of policing in the UK will be invaluable as he serves the Victorian community in his new role," Mr Ryan said.
"Throughout his career he has been responsible for helping set national standards for emergency management, harm reduction and community safety.
"I am confident Mr Hallowes' experience and leadership qualities will stand him in good stead as he joins Victoria's emergency services after some of the worst fires and floods in recent years."
Mr Ryan said Mr Hallowes had enjoyed an accomplished career which had included work at the highest levels of policing and emergency management.
"Most recently Mr Hallowes was Operation Lead at the National College of Police Leadership at Bramshill in the UK," Mr Ryan said.
"His previous work has included senior executive roles in the UK Police, as well as acting as an adviser to the British Government at the G8, European Union, United Nations and he assisted in the response to the 2005 London bombings."
Mr Hallowes replaces Bruce Esplin who served as Victoria's inaugural Emergency Services Commissioner for 10 years from 2000-2010.
"This is a critical role in Victoria's defence against and responses to floods, fires, storms and other emergency situations," Mr Ryan said.
"I'd also like to thank Mr Joe Buffone for performing the role of Acting Commissioner since the start of the year. He has done an excellent job in challenging circumstances."
Mr Hallowes will begin his tenure as Emergency Services Commissioner on 1 September 2011.
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