Steve Forbes has been confirmed new chief officer of the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES). 

Acting as interim chief officer since May 2024, Mr Forbes has more than 30 years of experience in emergency management and more than 20 years in senior leadership roles within the ACTSES.

“The ACTSES is built on the commitment of incredible volunteers and staff who turn up when our community needs them most,” says Mr Forbes.

“I am honoured to to take on the role of chief officer permanently to help enable our SES volunteers in the ACT.”

Mr Forbes served as interim chief officer during the 2025 Canberra hailstorms and says he is focused on continuing to strengthen the ACTSES’s ability to protect and serve the community.