THE Victorian Government will establish a single emergency management body to oversee all agencies during emergencies.

However, the new structure will not be in place for this fire season.

Emergency Management Victoria will be created to be responsible for major disasters before, during and after they occur in a bid to minimise confusion.

The disasters include fire, flood and outrbreaks of human and animal disease.

EMV will act as an overarching entity for Victoria's emergency management services and the head of EMW will be responsible for ensuring all agencies and departments work together.

The new body will be headed by an emergency management commissioner who will oversee several agencies including the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Ambulance Victoria, the State Emergency Services and Victoria Police.

Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan said it was the most significant reform of Victoria's emergency management arrangements since the 1986 overhaul in response to the 1983 Ash Wednesday blaze.

"These reforms will move the sector towards a genuine all-hazards, all-agencies approach and improve emergency management, with a strong emphasis on risk mitigation," Mr Ryan said.

A government spokeswoman said an official announcement on the new body was expected to be made this afternoon.

The government will also release a white paper on disaster management today, which is part of its response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and the Comrie review of the 2010-2011 floods.