^{Date Published: 10 Dec 2009 11:43am}

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell, has today announced the appointment of Mark Crosweller as the new ACT Emergency Services Commissioner.

"I am pleased to be able to announce Mr Crosweller as the new ESA Commissioner and congratulate him on his successful appointment from what I am told was a very strong field of applicants," Mr Corbell said.

"Mr Crosweller will play an integral role in further strengthening ESA Governance and re-instigating Chief Officers for each of the emergency services."

Mr Crosweller is currently an Assistant Commissioner with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and responsible for the Strategic Services Directorate.

"He brings an extensive record of leadership and stakeholder engagement developed over the past 25 years in the emergency services field," Mr Corbell said.

"This experience will undoubtedly benefit the delivery of both emergency services on an operational and strategic level.

"I look forward to working with Mr Crosweller on a number of exciting projects including the new headquarters for ESA at Fairbairn which is progressing well.

"I will also be eager to see the other Chief Officer roles filled which will provide a cohesive and responsive emergency capability for the ACT.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Acting Commissioner, David Foot for his services in this important role over the past several months and in particular in the lead up to the current bushfire season.

"His strong work ethic and dedication to the Agency has not gone un-noticed. I am grateful for his support and leadership during this time and look forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity as Chief Officer ACT Ambulance Service."

Mr Crosweller will start duties in the ACT on Monday 4 January 2010.