Greg Slater was born on 18 November 1962 in Sydney. In 1981 he joined the Australian Federal Police. After initial recruit training he commenced duty in Eastern Region in the Diplomatic and Consular Security Branch.
In 1982 he transferred to ACT Region where he undertook further training at the Australian Federal Police College, Weston. Upon graduation he was posted to the Police Rescue Squad where he served until 1986.
From 1986 to 1987 he served with the 25th and 26th Contingents of the Australian Civilian Police, attached to the UN United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). He was awarded the AFP Commissioners and the UN Force Commanders Commendation for brave conduct.
In 1987 he returned to the ACT where he recommenced duties with the Australian Federal Police Rescue Squad. He developed the Services capability in Vertical Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Search and Rescue Coordination and Disaster Victim Identification. He was also involved in the development of leadership, team building and survival training for senior Australasian Police undertaking MOSC (Management of Serious Crime) studies.
From 1992 to 1994 he returned to General Policing where he also served as a member of the AFP's Special Operations Team
In 1994 he was posted to Norfolk Island, returning to Australia in 1997.
In May 1998 he left the Australian Federal Police and commenced with the NSW State Emergency Service as Division Controller, Oxley on the NSW Mid North Coast.
During the April 1999 Sydney Hailstorm he led the Vertical Rescue Task Force which coordinated the multi agency technical response to high rise buildings in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
In March 2001 he was the SES Operational Controller for the Mid North Coast Floods in Oxley Division. He led the Services response operations in the Kempsey area.
He re-entered the Australian Federal Police in May 2001 and was posted as a member of the Australian Civilian Police 6th detachment for the United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor (UNTAET). His main focus was the provision of Investigations, Emergency Management and Operations training for senior officers of the fledgling TLPS (Timor Lerosae (East Timor) Police Service). He led the Investigations Team and later undertook the role of District Operations Controller in the Viqueque District of East Timor.
In December 2001 he returned home and recommenced Service with the SES. He led the working group which developed the SES’s Exercise Management Program.
He assumed the appointment of Deputy Director General (DDG) of the NSW SES on 23 August 2004. The SES Headquarters is based in Wollongong. His role as DDG includes the leadership and development of the Services 17 Region Controllers and he also chairs the Services Strategic Coordination Group.
His emergency management education includes studies through the Emergency Management Australia Institute Mt Macedon in the fields of Emergency Operations, Civil Defence Operations, Emergency Risk Management and Exercise Management.
He attended the 3rd National Police Search and Rescue Coordinators Course at the Tasmanian Police Academy.
He is married to Jenny and they have a son and a daughter. They reside in Wollongong.
His interests include endurance sports, road cycling, running and long course triathlon. He has completed the Australian Ironman Triathlon Championships on four occasions.
Other interests include reading and relaxing with his family.
Awards and Commendations
1986 Australian Federal Police Commendation for Brave Conduct
1986 United Nations Medal – CYPRUS (UNFICYP)
1987 United Nations Fire Commanders Commendation for Brave Conduct
1988 Police Overseas Medal
1997 National Medal
2001 United Nations Medal (East Timor)
