RedR Australia recently responded to a submission request for the Australian Government’s Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The commission was established in February in response to the summer bushfire season that resulted in a devastating loss of life, property, wildlife and natural environment.

The purpose of the commission is to gather evidence about coordination, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from, disasters, in a bid to strengthen national planning in the face of growing climate disasters. The devastating fires seen in Australia are a reminder that climate disasters affect all people and exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, highlighting the growing need for protection and pathways to recovery.

At RedR Australia, emergency response is the reason we exist. We have over 28 years of experience in disaster management, and while we primarily respond internationally, this has provided us with years of experience and learnings to be able to apply domestically.

We have a long history of partnership with the Australian Government, and are encouraged by the opportunity to contribute to such an important learning opportunity. We stand ready to apply our expertise to further learning, reform or capacity development to build national resilience in the face of climate and disasters.

Click here to read our submission.

Individuals, organisations, groups and the public were invited to make submissions on the 2019-20 bushfire season. Click here to read a summary.

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Image: Anggia deployed to Papua New Guinea as a Gender and Protection Specialist to lead and coordinate UN Women’s relief response for Highlands’ communities. In these communities, women maintain micro-economic production and management of community resources. Anggia worked to ensure greater gender equality and protection in a community where women have few opportunities to influence the decisions of community leaders and peace building processes.