Cabinet has agreed to a series of policy proposals following public consultation for a new Emergency Management Bill, says Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell…
The Cabinet paper provides details on the 21 proposals, but in summary the Bill will:
- clarify who is in control during emergencies (particularly when undeclared) and clarify accountabilities at the local level
- improve how Civil Defence Emergency Management Group plans are developed and with whose input, given they drive change on the ground
- provide for representation of iwi Māori, rural communities and the wider community on Coordinating Executive Groups
- expand the tools available to improve assurance of the system, e.g. through rules or Compliance Orders
- expand the lifeline utilities/essential infrastructure providers that can be recognised under the legislation (e.g. certain digital services and solid waste).