Independent review of disaster management governance underway

An Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance Arrangements has been commissioned by Australia’s emergency management Ministers to better prepare governments for the demands of increasing future natural disasters. 

The Review will examine how national governance arrangements could more effectively serve national natural disaster preparedness, response, recovery, resilience and long-term policy requirements. 

Due for completion by 30 November 2023, the Review has been commissioned to complement the Independent Review into Commonwealth Disaster Funding, which is being led by Mr Andrew Colvin, APM OAM. 

The Governance Review is being led by climate change and disaster management expert Dr Robert Glasser from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). 

As part of the Review, Dr Glasser will also consider establishing an authoritative disaster advisory body and expanding the remit of the National Emergency Management Ministers' Meeting (NEMMM) - a Ministerial Council reporting to National Cabinet. 

The NEMMM brings together emergency management portfolio Ministers across jurisdictions to drive national cooperation and consistency on enduring strategic issues in emergency and disaster management, and resilience. 

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, who chairs the NEMMM, said ensuring the disaster response was fit for purpose across jurisdictions will deliver the best results for disaster-prone communities. 

“All Ministers responsible for disaster response understand that we do better through strong cooperation and by planning ahead, not waiting for disasters to strike,” Minister Watt said. 

“If we are as prepared as possible at a government level, we can ensure communities get help fast.”