NEMA Commonwealth Disaster Funding

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council highlights disaster related relief efforts, including bushfires, COVID-19, floods, and droughts.

Although not first responders, the Society’s involvement in disaster relief extends from emergency support measures to the rebuilding and recovery phases of disaster response.

The Society argues that there is a need for improved coordination across all agencies and levels of government.

In emphasising the challenges faced by community organisations during a disaster response, the Society recommends the need for a more flexible funding model focusing on community led preparedness, resilience activities, social capital investments, improved access to information, and streamlined coordination among various support services and governments.  

Read our feedback - pdf file