The Emergency Management Committee is responsible for ensuring that South West Sydney, that includes the Strathfield electorate, is prepared and able to respond to emergencies such as flooding, aircraft incidents, earthquakes, major transport incidents, storms and terrorist incidents.
The Strathfield electorate has major roads, rail transport, commercial centres, is under flight paths, has a number of industrial and manufacturing facilities all of which can be affected by or contribute to an emergency or disaster.
The Committee has senior representatives from many Government agencies including Police, Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance Service, Transport for NSW, the Australian Defence Force, Railcorp, Local Government as well as other agencies that cover such services as Welfare, Environmental, Engineering, Agricultural and Animal.
Charles said "We are fortunate that we have some of the most experienced officers from the emergency services responsible for the well-being of our community".
"Our Committee is headed by the District Emergency Operations Controller Assistant Commissioner Frank Menelli assisted by the District Emergency Management Officer Mr Stuart Fisher, both of them come with a wealth of experience and an outstanding commitment to emergency management in our area" Charles said.
Charles, a serving Army Reserve Officer is appointed as an Australian Defence Force Liaison Officer, provides advice to the NSW Government and the District Emergency Management Committee on how best to use Defence resources in times of emergency as well as ensure effective communications exist between the civilian and defence communities.
"The Committee was informed that the Disaster Response Plan (called DISPLAN), that will be used in case of an emergency in our area , has been completed and will soon come into effect making us even more ready to support our community after a disaster" Charles said.
"I am particularly proud not only to represent the Australian Defence Force but also as a member of Parliament and the State Member for Strathfield I am able to represent the community's interests directly to the Government. I can provide the Government with firsthand knowledge of what is going on and where attention should be directed, and because of this Strathfield is better served than any other area" he said.