New Director General

Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly today announced the appointment of NSW Fire Brigades Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear as the new Director General of the NSW State Emergency Service.

Mr Kelly said Mr Kear would take up the position next week, following the retirement of current SES Director General Brigadier Philip McNamara.

“I welcome Mr Kear’s appointment to this important leadership role in our emergency services and commend Brigadier McNamara for his achievements in advancing the Service over the past seven years,” Mr Kelly said. “Mr Kear has had a long and distinguished career in the Fire Brigades, starting as a firefighter in 1980 and rising through the ranks to become Assistant Commissioner and Director of Community Safety.

“He will bring to the SES a range of professional expertise and experience gained from working in many areas of the State and in particular, his focus on community safety, prevention and preparedness.

“Over almost three decades, he has served in many operational and specialist areas, including as the Training Officer for Operational Communications; Operational and Zone Commander in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong; and manager of commercial services and operational research.

“Mr Kear was appointed an Assistant Commissioner and Region Commander for the State’s West in 2003.

“In 2006, he assumed responsibility for the Brigades’ vital community safety work, which includes building inspections, smoke alarms, fire investigations and community education.”

Mr Kear was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal – the highest award a firefighter can receive - in the Australia Day Honours Awards in 2006. He is also a qualified pilot.