"I will continue to receive two briefings each day from the RFS [Rural Fire Service] Commissioner," Elliott said, as quoted by the broadcaster, adding that he would return home if the situation demanded it.
Elliott's office has not disclosed the duration of his trip, but stated that his responsibilities would be temporarily given to NSW Prisons Minister Anthony Roberts, the ABC broadcaster reported.
Since early November, Australia has been ravaged by serious bushfires, which have already killed nine people. The blazes have also destroyed hundreds of properties and more than two million acres of forest, including koala habitats.
Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison cut his vacation in Hawaii short after it was reported that two firefighters had died while trying to extinguish the fires.
