Friday 5 November 2020
The Commonwealth has today chaired a meeting of all Australian Emergency Management Ministers regarding the findings of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, also known as the Bushfire Royal Commission.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to establish an environment of cooperation for Ministers to discuss the Royal Commission’s findings and to set expectations that all governments will respond meaningfully, comprehensively and urgently, as our communities would expect.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management the Hon. David Littleproud said, “I am pleased that there was broad agreement amongst jurisdictions about the need to work collaboratively in responding to the report’s findings and recommendations.”
“Ministers acknowledged that a number of actions recommended by the Royal Commission, such as streamlining fire warning systems across the nation along with consistent disaster payments, are already underway.
“The Commonwealth looks forward to this work continuing, including greater efforts to streamline and coordinate preparation and recovery mechanisms across the country.”
Emergency Management Ministers also wished to reassure the public that significant response plans are in place this disaster season, and that those plans take into account the current COVID environment.
Following today’s meeting, National Cabinet will meet next week to further discuss our collective response to the Royal Commission.
