New Federal taskforce to reduce impact of natural disasters

Following the recent floods, cyclones and fires that have greatly impacted communities across the country, the Federal Government has announced that it will establish a National Resilience Taskforce to reduce the impacts of natural disasters on the Australian community.

The taskforce will sit within the new Home Affairs Department and will lead nation-wide reforms to reduce the impact and financial burden of disasters on our communities and economy.

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor said the taskforce's first priority is to develop a five-year national disaster mitigation framework to reduce the impact of disasters.

"The framework will be developed in consultation with the states and territories and the private sector, including insurance and finance, and will seek to limit risks, provide prevention strategies, and improve decision-making," Mr Taylor said.

"It will also establish a national disaster risk information capability to equip decision-makers and Australians with the knowledge they need to prepare for natural disasters.

"This issue requires strong national leadership and coordination, and our ambitious reform agenda will seek to deliver a united approach to enhancing the nation's resilience."

The taskforce will be led by Mark Crosweller AFSM, the former Director General of Emergency Management Australia, and will comprise about 20 staff from across the Home Affairs portfolio.

The taskforce will work closely with Emergency Management Australia, ensuring a dedicated focus to the framework and the Government's disaster mitigation reform agenda.