Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Major General Dave Chalmers

Today is Major General Dave Chalmers’ final day as Operational Commander of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER).

I want to thank Major General Chalmers for his commitment, hard work and determination.

He has made an enormous contribution to the implementation and management of the NTER.

Major General Chalmers’ role in establishing and managing the Operations Centre has played a pivotal role in managing the whole-of-government co-ordination of the NTER.

He has done an excellent job in a challenging and demanding environment.

I wish Major General Chalmers the very best in the future as he resumes his distinguished career in the Australian Defence Force.

The Australian Government is committed to strengthening the NTER and moving towards a sustainable development phase in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Major General Chalmers’ replacement will be announced shortly.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced a new national Coordinator General position responsible for the implementation of major reforms in remote housing, infrastructure and employment in remote communities.