Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce
Terms of Reference
The Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce (NTERT) was formed to advise the Australian Government and oversee implementation of the emergency measures during their first year. The Taskforce’s final report to the Australian Government was released on 21 June 2008.
The Taskforce comprised professional men and women with experience in Indigenous Affairs, medical care, social policy, government, business and the law.
The Taskforce's Terms of Reference were:
- Provide expert advice to the Australian Government on the implementation of the emergency response.
- Provide oversight of the NTERT Operational Group.
- Promote public understanding of the issues involved.
- Alert Government to current and emerging issues that relate directly to the implementation of the response.
- Report to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs on the progress of the response.
The Taskforce was chaired by Dr Sue Gordon with Major General Dave Chalmers as its operational commander.
Members at 30 June 2008
Dr Sue Gordon AM (Chair) - Magistrate in the Perth Children’s Court. She was Chair of the Australian Government’s National Indigenous Council from 6 November 2004 until 31 December 2007. Dr Gordon chaired the Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities, in Western Australia in 2002. In 2003, Dr Gordon received the Centenary Medal for service to the community, particularly the Aboriginal community and in 1993 she was awarded the Order of Australia for commitment to Aboriginal people and community affairs.
Major General Dave Chalmers AO, CSC (Operational Commander)- Major General Chalmers has considerable organisational and command experience in a range of endeavours, notably in East Timor and as commander of the joint taskforce that provided humanitarian relief in Sumatra in the wake of the tsunami.
Dr William Glasson AO - Current Chair of Cancer Australia and of the Regional Telecommunication Independent Review Committee. Practising ophthalmologist and former Australian Medical Association president, Dr Glasson has worked in a voluntary capacity in various Indigenous communities. In 2008 Dr Glasson was awarded an Order of Australia for service to medicine through contributions to people in rural and remote areas, to the eye health of Indigenous people, and to professional medical organisations.
Mr Roger Corbett AO - Chair of CIES Food Business Forum, member of the board of the Reserve Bank Australia, founder and Board member of Outback Stores, and former Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Woolworths Ltd. In 2003 Mr Corbett became a member in the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the community and to the retail industry, particularly as a contributor to the development of industry policy and standards. In 2008, Mr Corbett was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to business, particularly through leadership and executive roles in the retail sector and a range of allied organisations, and to the community.
Ms Miriam Rose Baumann AM - Chair of the Aboriginals Benefit Account Advisory Committee. Ms Baumann was principal of St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Daly River until her retirement in early 2008. In 1998 Ms Baumann was awarded an Order of Australia for her services to the community of Nauiyu in the NT as a member of the Community Government Council.
Mr Mike Burgess - Chief Executive of the Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister since 1 February 2008. Mr Burgess has been in the NT since 1979. Working as a Civil Engineer; he has been involved in the development of major infrastructure and strategies to improve essential services in urban and remote areas of the Territory. Mr Burgess has held senior positions in the NT Government and has served on the Boards of various NT Authorities and research institutions.
Mr Terry Moran AO - Mr Moran was appointed to the position of Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in February 2008. Before this appointment he had been Secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet. Mr Moran has held other senior positions in government agencies in both Victoria and Queensland and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006.