The former head of the Australian Capital Territory's State Emergency Service (ACTSES) has commenced legal proceedings against the ACT government, alleging he was dismissed for a prohibited reason.
Legal Action Follows January Departure
Anthony Draheim, a former army officer who led the ACTSES for four years, saw his tenure end in January 2025. By April, he had lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission, accusing the Emergency Services Agency (ESA) of contravening general protections provisions.
This type of claim typically alleges an employee was fired for a reason prohibited by law, such as due to a workplace right, discrimination, or other protected attributes. Draheim is being represented by Bradley Allen Love Lawyers.
Attempts to resolve the dispute through mediation with government solicitors in July 2025 were unsuccessful, according to Federal Court records. The application remains active and unresolved.
A Tenure Marked by Challenge and Change
On his final day in the role, January 21, Draheim expressed "mixed feelings" in a social media post. He reflected on leading the service through significant events including the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme storms, and flooding.
He stated he was proud of improving community understanding of flood and storm risks and focusing government attention on risk mitigation. Draheim also highlighted boosting volunteer numbers and advocating for greater diversity, including more women, within the SES ranks.
Prior to his emergency services role, Draheim served for three decades in the army and spent a year as chief of staff at the Royal Military College of Australia.
Broader Leadership Shake-up Within ESA
Draheim's departure and subsequent legal action occur against a backdrop of considerable turnover in the ESA's executive leadership over the past year.
He was originally appointed under former ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan, who also came from a military background. Whelan resigned in July 2023 after a confidential review uncovered a culture of blame and bullying within the agency.
Wayne Phillips took over as ESA Commissioner in 2024. Draheim was replaced by Steve Forbes, whose appointment was announced in May 2025.
Other recent changes include:
- Paramedic Megan Davis becoming assistant commissioner in January 2025 following Jason Jones's retirement.
- David Dutton being appointed ACT Ambulance Service chief officer in May after Howard Wren's retirement.
- Peter Cleary becoming Chief Officer of Fire and Rescue in July, succeeding Matthew Mavity.
The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services is Marisa Paterson, who assumed the portfolio in October 2024. The outcome of Anthony Draheim's Fair Work case is now a matter for the legal process to determine.
