The Department chose to engage a consultant to assist with this work and the Australian Emergency Management Committee was subsequently consulted on the project’s terms of reference and project management arrangements. Dr Judy Esmond, Principal Researcher, MTD Making The Difference, has now been selected as the preferred consultant. Dr Esmond has extensive experience in the volunteering field having consulted with, presented to and undertaken research for a wide range of government and non-government organisations and associations over the last 10 years.

As part of the consultation process for this project, Dr Esmond will be liaising with key stakeholders including state and territory emergency management organisations, relevant non-government organisations and appropriate sector associations. She has been provided with details of key contacts, including members of the Australian Emergency Management Committee and Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum, and will be contacting them shortly to obtain each organisation's views on this issue. Your assistance in supporting Dr Esmond in this process would be much appreciated.

A final report proposing options for the attraction, support and retention of emergency management volunteers is due by 28 November 2008 for subsequent consideration by the Ministerial Council.