Capability gaps only Defence can fill, coalition warns
Tess Ikonomou |
Defence should only be turned to as a last resort in the face of a natural disaster but will be needed to fill capability gaps in recovery efforts, the opposition warns.
The Albanese government on Monday released a declassified version of the defence strategic review, which found reliance on the Australian Defence Force for disaster recovery detracted from its ability to protect the nation.
Defence force personnel have increasingly been called on to respond to disasters as extreme flooding events and bushfires battered the country.
Opposition emergency management spokeswoman Perin Davey accepted the recommendation in the review but said there existed capability gaps only the defence force can fill.
“There is no doubt that in recent disasters, defence has been crucial in both emergency response and aiding clean up,” she said.
“Defence has the equipment and they are self-sufficient, so they don’t drain local government or other emergency management resources.
“In restructuring our emergency response, we need to make sure we don’t exacerbate the problem.”
Asked if the government would create a federal natural disaster agency to free-up the ADF, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated there would be a further announcement to come.
He will meet with state premiers in Brisbane on Friday.
The review found the Commonwealth, in partnership with state and local governments, must have plans and resources in place to manage all but the most extreme disasters.
AAP
