Bushfire Royal Commission’s Interim Observations Welcome

​The Australian Government has today welcomed the release of the Interim Observations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (the Bushfire Royal Commission).

Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the observations were significant and came ahead of the Commission’s final report due in late October following an extension owing to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I extend my gratitude to the commission and all those who assisted for their work to date. We will of course review the interim observations closely and continue to assist the Royal Commission as it works towards the release of its final report on 28 October,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The interim observations identify areas that all levels of government, separately and collectively, can work on to improve our preparedness for upcoming disaster season.
“The Australian Government has already undertaken significant steps since the terrible 2019-20 bushfires to learn from that experience and ensure we’re better prepared for the coming season.
“We have invested more than $2 billion to help communities recover from last summer’s bushfires and have already committed significant funding to better prepare for the future including in bushfire research, telecommunications and aerial firefighting.
“In addition, we are reviewing disaster recovery funding arrangements to deliver a more equitable approach for all Australians.”
The Commission’s interim report is aimed at improving Australia’s disaster preparedness measures in the lead up to the coming bushfire season.
“The Australian Government will act quickly on the interim observations to ensure we are better prepared to deal with future disasters,” Minister Littleproud said.
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