Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01354:body:0:p81
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01354
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 231395–234490

emergency services. The Police Officer-in- Charge has powers to draw on available resources, wherever they are and whoever controls them.

 The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service also has a base in Yulara and has the role of responding to fires and emergencies under the Fire and Emergency Act 1996 (NT). The Bushfires Management Act 2016 (NT) is also relevant to the management of fires in the park (see Section 3.2 Protecting and enriching culture and country).

 The Northern Territory Emergency Service is comprised volunteers and staff who provide a response capability across the Territory.

 Parks Australia maintains a fire suppression capability which is used within the park, but is also deployed further afield if requested by emergency services. Staff also have other capabilities relating to managing incidents, such as administering first aid.

 In the case of other types of emergencies in the park (such as road accidents), police and medical services have lead responsibility. However, park staff are often the first on the scene and can be required to perform critical incident response roles. While there is a Medical Centre and staff in Yulara, the nearest services for serious medical emergencies are at Alice Springs. Given the size and remoteness of the park, and distance to medical services, successful handling of emergencies also depends on the ongoing availability and cooperation of helicopter pilots based at Yulara.

 In the future there may also be a need to prepare for potential large-scale emergencies such as disease outbreaks which may be transmitted by wildlife or feral animal populations. In these instances, park staff would cooperate with relevant Northern Territory and Australian Government agencies.
   Challenges

    •      Making sure there are properly trained staff and suitable equipment to effectively respond to emergencies, and avoid or reduce any negative effects on staff wellbeing and safety
    •      Covering the high costs and resources required to prepare for and respond to emergencies

    •      Working effectively with emergency services when an emergency requires a joint response

    •      Where the media wants to cover a particular emergency, making sure we provide accurate and consistent information

Prescriptions

6.3.1        The Director will comply with all relevant workplace health and safety legislation, including ensuring staff are appropriately trained to manage relevant emergency responses.

6.3.2        Subject to legal requirements, the Director may seek reimbursement or contributions for the cost of responding to emergencies, in particular search and rescue operations.

Actions

6.3.3        Work with the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services and other relevant agencies to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

6.3.4        Develop and update emergency management plans and procedures and respond to emergencies using approved plans and procedures.

6.3.5        Maintain staff emergency response accreditations e.g. AIIMS incident control, wildlife suppression, search