The Royal Commission has produced this paper to provide a brief overview of Australia’s existing national natural disaster arrangements. These arrangements reflect the federal system of government, which apportions powers and responsibilities between the Commonwealth and states and territories.

Importantly, this paper does not contain findings or conclusions on any issues. This paper will be relevant to the next stages of the Royal Commission’s public engagement, in particular to its upcoming public hearings and issues papers the Royal Commission plans to publish, seeking public responses.