An interview with a government emergency planner
November 2026
Regional planner Michael Harris works in government emergency management, handling everything from bushfire response to multi-agency coordination. In this interview, he unpacks the day-to-day realities, the value of teamwork, and the lessons that only experience can teach. His perspective reveals the mix of unpredictability and discipline that defines public sector crisis work.
Describe your daily work as a government emergency planner—what’s routine, and what isn’t?
Each morning is a fresh equation. Overnight reports, local weather warnings, and resource updates all land before sunrise. Sometimes, a small bushfire swells into a state-level event by noon. The job is about information—gathering, prioritising, and passing it to the right hands. One day, it’s a desk job with emails and risk reviews. The next, it’s boots on the ground, coordinating evacuation drills or fielding urgent calls from town leaders. Predictability is a luxury.
What are the highlights and main challenges in your role?
No single success story—every quiet day is a reward. But the real highlight is watching teams come together in the thick of a crisis. When the 2025 storm season hit, departments that rarely spoke became one unit overnight. The hardest challenge is always the unknown: new threats, shifting conditions, and the knowledge that perfect plans don’t exist. Lessons from last year can be obsolete the next morning.
How does collaboration shape effective emergency planning and response?
Disaster response is never a solo act. During the last bushfire season, collaboration with local councils, emergency services, and even neighbouring regions made the difference. Information sharing isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. Regular briefings and cross-training exercises mean everyone knows their job when the real test comes. The best plans are built on relationships, not just protocols.
What advice do you have for newcomers to government crisis planning or disaster management?
For those starting out: develop a thick skin and a light touch. Mistakes are inevitable—own them and learn quickly. Listen to those who’ve been through past crises, and never assume you’ve seen it all. The field rewards curiosity, humility, and the ability to improvise under pressure.
What’s a widespread misconception about emergency planning in government?
A common myth is that government planning is slow and rigid. The truth is, plans are living documents—reviewed and revised after every major event. Progress comes from honest post-crisis reviews and a willingness to adapt. The work is never finished, and that’s the point—each disruption writes the next chapter.
Learn more about emergency planning careers and the skills that underpin effective government response.
See our careers guide to explore typical skills and roles across the key career paths.