Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management

The Australian Government looks forward today to progressing key national initiatives to enhance Australia and New Zealand’s disaster preparedness and response to transnational, serious and organised crime at the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (MCPEM).

Disaster resilience, risk reduction and a consistent approach to addressing the threats posed by organised crime will be key themes at the MCPEM meeting today in Adelaide. 

MCPEM brings together ministers for police and emergency management from the Commonwealth, states and territories and New Zealand, and the Australian Local Government Association.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said today’s meeting would continue the collaboration between the Australian Government and the States and Territories on disaster resilience. 

“As Australia and New Zealand continue to experience more frequent and intense disasters, it’s important we share information with each other and keep improving,” Mr Littleproud said.  

“The Council will discuss ways we can reduce disaster risk and improve disaster response and recovery.” 

Jason Wood, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, will represent Mr Dutton at MCPEM and the afternoon joint session with the Council of Attorneys-General.

Mr Wood said he looked forward to discussing a number of important issues with his State and Territory and New Zealand counterparts, including the threat posed by illicit drugs such as ice; our readiness to respond to terrorism; cybercrime; and New Zealand’s recent legislation changes on firearms. 

“Transnational, serious and organised crime remains a key focus of MCPEM, where I am confident we will reaffirm the importance of using all government levers, at all levels of government, to tackle the challenge.”