Organisation

Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements


The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements was established on 20 February 2020, in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20, which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction.

Sometimes referred to as the 'Bushfires Royal Commission,' the Commission examined coordination, preparedness for, response to and recovery from disasters, as well as improving resilience and adapting to changing climatic conditions and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The inquiry also considered the legal framework for Commonwealth involvement in responding to national emergencies.

Commission Chair, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd) presented the Royal Commission’s final report to the Governor‑General on Wednesday 28 October 2020. The report was tabled in Parliament on 30 October 2020.

The other two Commissioners were the Honourable Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Bond University) and Professor Andrew Macintosh (Australian National University).

Report

Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements: report

This report focuses on broader questions of national arrangements and responsibilities, in relation to all phases of natural disasters – before, during and after. This inquiry required the Commission to consider whether these existing arrangements are as effective as they can be in a future...
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Report

Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements: interim observations

This report outlines the interim observations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The observations relate to some of the more pressing issues that the Commission expects to address in the final report, which is currently due for release in October 2020.
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Discussion paper

Issues paper: firefighting and emergency services personnel and equipment

This paper provides a brief overview of some of the issues that affect firefighters and other emergency service providers, and poses a number of questions concerning how they are recruited, trained and supported; how their equipment is managed; how they communicate during an emergency; and...
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Briefing paper

Background paper: Land management – hazard reduction: a literature review

This literature review focuses predominantly on prescribed burning, which has been used in Australia as the preferred method to reduce fuel loads and fuel continuity and thus has received the most attention in the scientific literature. The paper also canvasses literature related to mechanical fuel...
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Briefing paper

Background paper: Cultural burning practices in Australia

This paper provides background about cultural burning practices in Australia and surveys some of the literature about the practice.
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Authored Resources
Items 10

Published Resources
Items 10

Associated Resources
Items 1