The Victorian Government has appointed Dr Emily Phillips as the new Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM).
The IGEM is a statutory role that provides assurance to Government and the community on emergency management arrangements.
Dr Phillips brings a wealth of knowledge to the role having served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Executive Officer across key emergency management responsibilities including water, agriculture, telecommunications and local government.
This work includes leading Agriculture Victoria as the control agency for biosecurity emergencies.
Dr Phillips has a background in agriculture, water and natural resource management and has experience engaging with rural and regional Victorian communities. Dr Phillips also served as Chairperson of the Top 50 Public Sector Women Victoria and is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration.
Dr Phillips succeeds Mr Tony Pearce who was appointed as the inaugural IGEM in 2014, overseeing incidents including the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires and the remediation of Fiskville training college.
Dr Phillips begins her five-year term as the IGEM on 3 June 2024, taking over from interim Inspector General Mr Sam Redlich.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"I congratulate Dr Phillips on her appointment as the new IGEM. Her experience in government, emergency management and agriculture will be a valuable asset to this important role."
"I thank the inaugural IGEM Tony Pearce for his commitment and service to the emergency management sector over the last nine years."
"Acting IGEM Sam Redlich has performed a standout job and I wish him all the best as he returns to Dr Phillip's team."
