Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response Discussion Paper (Department of Home Affairs) 

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council’s submission emphasises the need for better coordination and collaboration across government levels and agencies involved in disaster management.

Recommendations include better evacuation planning, improved communication systems, better disaster education for communities, standardised warning systems, and increased mental health services.

We also recommend improved data collection, including environmental and mental health data, and ongoing funding for community-based organisations engaged in disaster preparedness and recovery.

The Society argues for the development of a national register for emergency services (personnel and equipment), consistent emergency relief terminology, nationally consistent apps for providing warnings, and integrating primary healthcare providers into disaster management planning.

We highlight the importance of enhancing local government disaster capabilities, sharing disaster hazard risk information, and better research resources such as fuel load data or research into aerial firefighting capabilities. This should include funding to cover the costs of community-led preparedness, improved collaboration across the community sector and governments, volunteering processes, human capital investment, the establishment of service provider panels, and streamlined reporting requirements. 

Read our submission - pdf file