ASPI REPORT ON DISASTER RESILIENCE
11 August 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the release of the Hardening Australia: Climate Change and National Disaster Resilience report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
“The Report represents a solid piece of work that will make a significant contribution to emergency management policies and practices in Australia,” Mr McClelland said.
ASPI highlights the significant threat posed by climate change and makes a number of recommendations for improving Australia’s national disaster resilience.
Last year’s National Security Statement acknowledged the enormous threat posed by natural disasters and recognised them as a core national security concern.
“The Government has adopted an ‘all-hazards’ approach to national security which brings together the policy, capability and response areas for natural and man-made disasters.”
This years Budget increased the Government’s total commitment to disaster resilience measures to over $200 million over four years.
The Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (MCPEM) has also endorsed the Australian Emergency Management Arrangements which for the first time bring together emergency management arrangements across all jurisdictions.
MCPEM has also agreed to develop a National Catastrophic Disaster Plan including a climate change action plan which will be considered at its next meeting in November 2009.
In addition, strategies are also being developed for the recruitment and retention of volunteers and enhancing community engagement, education, self reliance and recovery.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has also agreed on the need for Governments to re-examine Australia’s arrangements for managing natural disasters and to identify further strategies aimed at building greater resilience.
A working group is currently considering additional ways to build resilience to natural disasters and is due to report to COAG by September 2009.
The Government, in cooperation with the States and Territories, is committed to protecting the safety and security of Australians and enhancing our capacity to withstand disasters and emergencies irrespective of their cause.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
