The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has published its report in which it says that Australia needs a national approach to natural disasters.
Commission chair, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Ret’d) says there was an important role for all levels of government in relation to managing natural disasters.
“While state and territory governments have primary responsibility, and accountability, for emergency management, we have concluded that Australia needs a national approach to natural disasters. This calls for the Australian Government to play a greater role than it currently does.
“Effective national coordination will be a critical capability in managing natural disasters on a national scale or with national consequences. Arrangements need to be clear, robust and accountable.”
The Royal Commission was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-2020 which resulted in devastating loss of life, property and wildlife, and environmental destruction across the nation. Over 35 days of hearings, the chair and fellow commissioners, Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC and Professor Andrew Macintosh, heard from more than 270 witnesses, including individuals directly affected by natural disasters, experts, officials, and representatives of industry peak bodies and consumer groups.
The report lists 80 recommendations to improve Australia’s national natural disaster arrangements.
Mr Binskin said, “There are lessons for all of us arising from our inquiry. Governments, essential services providers, insurers, charities, communities and individuals should consider what steps they must take across all phases of natural disasters to improve national natural disaster arrangements.
“Progress on implementing our recommendations should be monitored, transparent and communicated nationally. Australian, state and territory governments need to commit to action and cooperate, and hold each other to account.”
Some recommendations in the report are:
- Restructure and reinvigorate ministerial forums with a view to enabling timely and informed strategic decision-making
- Establish an authoritative advisory body to consolidate advice on strategic policy and relevant operational considerations for ministers in relation to natural disasters
- Establish a standing entity that will enhance national natural disaster resilience and recovery, focused on long-term disaster risk reduction
- Prioritise the implementation of harmonised data governance and national data standards.
- Establish a national register of fire and emergency services personnel, equipment and aerial assets.
