Released 24/01/2021 - Joint media release
Following the horrific bushfire season in 2019-20, the ACT Government has welcomed the recommendations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT is supportive of all recommendations from the Royal Commission. These recommendations will help to strengthen national emergency management arrangements in response to the changing threat of natural disasters, including building environmental and community resilience.
“The ACT contributed strongly to the work of the Royal Commission and it is pleasing to see recommendations that align with the ACT’s views on how national natural disaster arrangements can be strengthened,” the Chief Minister said.
The ACT has wasted no time progressing the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission, many of which align with work already underway to address the learnings from the 2019-20 summer season.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government was progressing a wide range of initiatives that are consistent with the Royal Commission’s recommendations to strengthen natural disaster preparedness.
“This includes climate change adaptation initiatives, enhanced public warnings and information, recovery policy and ongoing enhancement to the ACT’s bushfire management practices,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The ACT is strongly engaged in national efforts to progress the recommendations ahead of the 2021-22 summer season, including updating public warning systems and working towards nationally consist disaster recovery arrangements.
“The Royal Commission underscored the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions and we are building on our strong working relationships with other states
“We are also focussed on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders, frontline workers and the community following natural disaster. The ACT Government will continue strengthening mental health arrangements to support the needs of all Canberrans following disaster.
“The ACT is well prepared for bushfires and I would like to remind and encourage all Canberrans to regularly review their disaster survival plans.”
The ACT Government’s response to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements is available at www.act.gov.au/bushfireroyalcommission
Download and complete a survival plan at: https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready/resources-plans/survival-plan
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases