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Structure of the Office

There are three main areas in the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner:

• Policy and Planning
• Performance and Review
• Community and Media Relations

Policy and Planning

The Policy and Planning branch develops and implements the following emergency management planning and policy initiatives:

• Administers the emergency management arrangements
• Provides support to the Victoria Emergency Management Council
• Represents Victoria at other state and national emergency management forums
• Liaises across government on security and emergency management planning and policy
• Coordinates across government emergency exercises.

Performance and Review

The Performance and Review branch establishes, maintains and reviews performance standards of Victoria's emergency services by:

• Conducting specialised, non-financial performance audits and investigations, benchmarking and performance reporting
• Developing major performance improvement projects such as processes, standards, systems, strategies and infrastructure
• Establishing, monitoring and reviewing emergency services performance standards for the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
• Promoting the use of data and spatial information and applications across the emergency management sector.

Communities and Media Relations

The Communities and Media Relations Unit provides advice and support to the Emergency Services Commissioner to enable him to meet statutory obligations including:

• Supporting the Commissioner's engagement with communities on emergency management issues
• Provides communications support to the Commissioner and the Office
• Providing strategic advice about emerging public issues that may effect or influence emergency management policy and planning
• Plays a leadership role in the development of the State's public information arrangements.

OESC works from the Department of Justice for administrative purposes.