The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has delivered its findings, recommending, among other things, a ‘clearer role’ for the Australian public sector in the management of future natural disasters.
Chair of the Royal Commission, Mark Binskin said 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,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
“This calls for the Australian Government to play a greater role than it currently does,” he said.
“Effective national coordination will be a critical capability in managing natural disasters on a national scale or with national consequences.”
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the division of responsibility between the Commonwealth and States and Territories impacted the robustness of emergency management frameworks and systems, as well as the timeliness of assistance sought from other jurisdictions.
“We consider there is an important role for all levels of government in relation to managing natural disasters, including, significantly, national leadership from the Australian Government,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said achieving an effective national approach required a clear, robust and accountable system which could provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with mitigation, preparation for, response to, and recovery from natural disasters.
He said the report contained lessons for all levels of Government, essential service providers, insurers, charities, communities and individuals.
The Royal Commission made 80 recommendations to improve Australia’s national natural disaster arrangements, 14 targeted to the Australian Government; 23 specific to States and Territories; 41 shared between the Commonwealth and States and Territories; and two recommendations focussed on the Insurance Industry and the Australian Building Code Board.
The Royal Commissions’ 594-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
