Group Controller

The Group Controller must direct and coordinate CDEM Group resources made available to them during declared emergencies, and perform any other functions delegated by the CDEM Group.

A Controller can use CDEM arrangements outside of declared emergencies, but some powers under the CDEM Act can only be used during a declared state of emergency

The CDEM Group has delegated its powers under Section 85 of the Civil Defence Emergency Managegemt Act to the Group Controllers.

1. General powers: The Group Controller is delegated the authority to co-ordinate the activities (as are required to perform his/her duties) detailed in section 18(2).
2. Power to require information: The Group Controller is delegated the authority to require information to be provided under section 76.
3. Information to obtain a warrant: The Group Controller is delegated the authority to provide the necessary information under oath for a warrant to be issued under section 78.
4. Receipt of information: The Group Controller is delegated the authority to receive information seized under section 81.
5. Emergency Powers: The Group Controller is delegated the authority to exercise all the emergency powers conferred on the Group by section 85 and shall make reports on the actions undertaken at such intervals as are directed by the Chairperson of the Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the Group Controller retains the specific emergency powers conferred on Controllers in sections 86-92 and 94.

The primary roles of the Controller during a response are to:

• Assess impacts
• Prioritise response measures
• Monitor and direct agencies in their roles
• Co-ordinate and allocate resources where required.