3 years ago
BUSHFIRE ROYAL COMMISSION REPORT REVEALS MAJOR SHORTCOMINGS
Murray Watt MP
The interim report of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has revealed major shortcomings in the Morrison Government’s approach to disaster management.
The report, which was released yesterday, makes it clear there were big flaws in how the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfire season was handled.
From the interim report we have learned:
The report, which was released yesterday, makes it clear there were big flaws in how the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfire season was handled.
From the interim report we have learned:
- There is a lack of national coordination between the Commonwealth, states and territories, in relation to natural disasters, with the inquiry finding that current arrangements “might not be suitable to facilitate national decisions”.
- Australia “is likely to experience more frequent and intense natural disasters” due to climate change, with a growing risk that disasters will become “too great for one state or territory to manage alone”.
- Many recommendations from 20 years of natural disaster inquiries “have not yet been adequately implemented”.
- Confusion, gaps and inconsistent technology and procedures plagued information sharing, evacuation planning and essential infrastructure.
- Aerial firefighting capability must be reviewed in order to meet current needs.
- Simplifying Australia’s confusing bushfire warning system “has taken far too long” and “should be finished as a priority”.
- Fragmented recovery efforts meant bushfire victims were forced to repeatedly re-tell their story and register for services in the aftermath of the fires.
Last bushfire season Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to listen to the experts and failed to prepare for the crisis.
Twelve months on, the devastation is still fresh for many Australians and victims are still trying to get back on their feet.
The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, while less severe than last bushfire season, makes it clear that many parts of the country, particularly in Queensland, will still face above-average fire threats this Spring.
A La Niña weather event also makes other types of natural disasters, like floods and cyclones more likely.
The Federal Government must do better to be prepared for disasters. It must listen to the Royal Commission, so it is not stuck playing catch-up like it was last year.
Twelve months on, the devastation is still fresh for many Australians and victims are still trying to get back on their feet.
The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, while less severe than last bushfire season, makes it clear that many parts of the country, particularly in Queensland, will still face above-average fire threats this Spring.
A La Niña weather event also makes other types of natural disasters, like floods and cyclones more likely.
The Federal Government must do better to be prepared for disasters. It must listen to the Royal Commission, so it is not stuck playing catch-up like it was last year.