The Premier’s Office is responding to concerns about the decision to move two files out of the purview of minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer.

Earlier this week it was revealed that emergency services had been moved out of the department of Justice and Public Safety, and put under Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands.

Then, government moved the Women and Gender Equality portfolio to Health Minister Lela Evans.

The Premier’s Office says both changes were made to “improve outcomes” for people.

They call the movement of emergency services a “departmental restructuring intended to align with current realities,” with specific reference to the increased frequency and severity of wildfires.

Premier Tony Wakeham says the move will enable improvements in how they assists people and communities before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.

Moving the women and gender equality file, they argue, will “support closer alignment with frontline services” and the supports people rely on.

They say the move will “strengthen collaboration across health, social, and community systems to better support women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.”