National Review of Warnings and Information

A national review of warnings and information has taken stock of current practices and emerging challenges and innovation in emergency information provision across Australia.

Funded by a National Emergency Management Project Grant, the extensive review was overseen by a multi-agency, multi-hazard Steering Committee, representing all Australian jurisdictions, key national bodies and chaired by the Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner.

The National Review of Warnings and Information explored good practice, innovation and key challenges through the lens of six key themes: Policy and Practice, Channels and Systems, Construction of Warnings, Community Response, Workforce Capability and Continuous Improvement.

These themes were investigated through:

• an international review of reports, publications and inquiries over the past decade
• a national workshop hosted by AFAC that considered a synthesis of the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre’s community safety research
• interviews with more than 100 subject matter experts across Australia
• a specialised review into the use of the telephony based warning system, Emergency Alert, including community consultation and analysis
• finishing with a national workshop with representatives from 22 organisations, to explore information gathered.

Under the leadership of the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee, the National Public Information and Warnings Working Group will address the findings and opportunities outlined in the Final Report and oversee implementation of the recommendations.