An Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance
Arrangements has been commissioned by Australia's emergency management
ministers, to better prepare governments for the demands of increasing future
natural disasters.
The Review will examine how
national governance arrangements could more effectively serve national natural
disaster preparedness, response, recovery, resilience and long-term policy
requirements.
Due for completion by 30 November
2023, the Review has been commissioned to complement the Independent Review into Commonwealth
Disaster Funding, which is being led by Mr Andrew Colvin, APM OAM.
The Governance Review is being
led by climate change and disaster management expert Dr Robert Glasser from the
Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).
As part of the Review, Dr
Glasser will also consider establishing an authoritative disaster advisory body
and expanding the remit of the National Emergency Management
Ministers' Meeting (NEMMM) - a Ministerial Council reporting to National
Cabinet.
The NEMMM brings together emergency
management portfolio ministers across jurisdictions to drive national
cooperation and consistency on enduring strategic issues in emergency and
disaster management, and resilience.
Minister for Emergency Management,
Murray Watt, who chairs the NEMMM, said ensuring the disaster response was fit
for purpose across jurisdictions will deliver the best results for
disaster-prone communities.
"All Ministers responsible for
disaster response understand that we do better through strong cooperation and by
planning ahead, not waiting for disasters to strike," Minister Watt said.
"If we are as prepared as
possible at a government level, we can ensure communities get help fast.
"The Albanese Government is committed
to looking at what can be done better, to build a better prepared, more
resilient Australia.
"Dr Glasser has the right
skills and experience to lead the Review, and will ensure the views of all
state and territory governments and key stakeholders are taken into account."
Western Australian Emergency
Services Minister and member of the NEMMM Stephen Dawson said the Review
highlighted the importance of national coordination and cooperation for
disaster management.
"The vast and varied landscape
of Western Australia presents unique challenges for disaster support and
recovery.
"It's critical that our State
has a say on the effectiveness of governance processes, to reduce disaster risk
and support local communities in the future."
All levels of government, the community
and private sector will be engaged to provide input, with further desktop
reviews and research to inform the final report.
A Working Group consisting of
representatives from the Australian and State and Territory Governments and the
Australian Local Government Association is being established to support Dr
Glasser.
The Review is being conducted in
response to recommendations from the Royal
Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
Background:
Dr Glasser is
the Head of the ASPI Climate and Security Policy Centre and Honorary Professor
at the Australian National University Institute for Climate, Energy and
Disaster Solutions.
Previously Dr
Glasser held the role of the United Nations Secretary General's Special
Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction and a member of the United Nations
Secretary General's Senior Management Group, and was also the Secretary General
of CARE International, which employed over 10,000 staff and is active in 80
countries.
