The 2018 Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference is on this month over the 21-22 May at The Star Gold Coast.

Major General Greg Bilton, AM, CSC, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations with the Department of Defence – Army joins us at the Conference to discuss ‘Interagency Co-ordination and Response in Times of Crisis’.

Abstract

In the past twenty years, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has garnered significant experience in both international and domestic operations that have required a coordinated interagency approach. In the domestic arena this has involved the ADF providing security support to the staging of major events and responses to natural disasters within Australia. Effective interagency coordination has been an essential ingredient to achieving a successful outcome.

Interagency coordination requires a comprehensive understanding of how each agency operates and what capabilities each agency possesses. Applying the capabilities of each agency prudently and pragmatically and in a complimentary way requires skilful planning and clear unambiguous leadership and direction. Here in Queensland, as a result of extensive experience, the interagency response has proven to be robust, timely and effective. The response to the Brisbane floods in 2011 and the central Queensland floods again in 2013 as well as the staging of APEC 2014 are just a few examples that illustrate the effectiveness of the interagency response in Queensland. The penchant for evolving the interagency response in Queensland is strong with a willingness to learn and develop with each event that is staged or natural disaster that requires a response.

Biography

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Major General Greg Bilton was born in Melbourne, Australia. After completing his secondary education at Melbourne High School he entered the Royal Military College in 1983 and graduated to the Royal Australian Artillery Regiment in 1986. He completed regimental appointments as a Lieutenant and Captain in the 1st and 4th Field Regiments, the 8th/12th Medium Regiment and the School of Artillery.

Major General Bilton has held command appointments as Battery Commander 104th Field Battery, Commanding Officer 4th Field Regiment, Commander 7th Brigade and Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific. He served in staff appointments in the Directorate of Officer Career Management, the Directorate of Force Structure (Army) and as Director General Development and Plans (Army). He has also been an instructor at the Australian Command and Staff College. Major General Bilton deployed on Operation MAZURKA in 1993 on the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Headquarters. In 2008 he deployed on Operation SLIPPER as Deputy Chief of Staff for Security Sector Reform on Headquarters Regional Command South, Afghanistan. Major General Bilton is a graduate of the Long Gunnery Course at the UK School of Artillery, the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, Weston Creek.

He also holds a Bachelor degree in Military Studies and Master’s degrees in Military Art and Science, and Strategic Studies. He is also a recipient of prestigious academic honours; the Major General Hans Schlup (US) award for excellence in International Relations and the Blamey Award (Australia) for Leadership. Major General Bilton has been awarded the Force Commanders Commendation for his work on Operation MAZURKA in the Sinai, a Conspicuous Service Cross for his force structure work at Army Headquarters, the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal for his work in Afghanistan, the United States Legion of Merit and the Japanese Defence Cooperation Medal for his work at United States Army Pacific.

He was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2014 in recognition of his work as Director General Development and Plans at Army Headquarters and as Commander 7 Brigade. Major General Bilton is married to Rachael, who is a registered nurse. His eldest son Alex is a second year Officer Cadet at ADFA and his youngest son Nic is completing year 12.

For more information on the 2018 Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference and to secure your spot, visit the conference website.