Disaster rules by Christmas
Fires report makes 80 recommendations
NEW federal government powers to declare a state of national emergency are expected to be rushed through parliament before Christmas.
The move is one of 80 key recommendations made by the National Natural Disaster Arrangements Royal Commission after last summer’ s fires.
Under the proposed powers, the Governor-General would sign off on the emergency declaration if trigger points agreed in the legislation were reached after a disaster.
This would enact the defence force and appropriate agencies for a rapid response, depending on the event.
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the draft legislation was being finalised by AttorneyGeneral Christian Porter. “There will be discussions with the Opposition about trying to expedite that legislation,” Mr Littleproud said.
He said the government would not take over the operational management of disasters, adding that was the remit of the states.
“But where there is needed to be a surge of resources then the Australian Government will come in with its agencies,” hesaid.
National cabinet on Friday discussed the royal commission report, which was handed down in late October.
Leaders agreed the government would lead a group of emergency service ministers to achieve the recommendations — 14 are its responsibility, 41 forth estate sand territories ,23 are joint responsibility and two related to industry. However, a push for a sovereign aerial firefighting capability was only noted by the government.
Mr Little proud said this was because state and territory fire commissioners were the ones who determined the aircraft that came into the country.
A national framework for hazard reduction will be formed and the commonwealth will urge insurers to provide “clear consumer guidance” on actions to reduce natural hazard risk that will lower insurance premiums.
A national disaster recovery agency will also be established by July.
Ten scientific agencies will also be brought under the banner of Resilience Australia to provide information for emergency services nationwide. Data sharing will be improved.