The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has completed 17 community forums in 18 days, visiting a number of fire affected regions across Australia, to hear from a variety of people who are representative of the communities affected by the recent bushfires.
While these forums were not formal sittings of the Royal Commission they provided important background and informed the direction of its inquiry.
The Commissioners are committed to ensuring their work continues and will conduct consultation, information gathering and hearings as practicably and sensibly as possible in accordance with the Australian Government Department of Health's guidelines on Coronavirus (COVID19).
This includes how the Commission engages with individuals and communities in the future.
As with previous activities, information about future community engagement will be available on the Commission's website as planning evolves.
The Royal Commission continues to welcome public submissions as it works towards delivering recommendations by 31 August 2020.
Individuals, organisations, community groups and the broader community can make submissions on the 2019-20 bushfire season via the Commission's website naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au or by phoning 1800 909 826.
Planning for the Ceremonial Hearing continues in accordance with public health advice, however the timing of the hearing may be affected and access will be limited.
The Commission will ensure hearings are live streamed to allow a wide audience to observe the proceedings while minimising the risk of exposure.
Transcripts will also be made available.
The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has hosted the following community forums:
- Adelaide Hills, South Australia - Tuesday 3 March 2020
- Kangaroo Island, South Australia - Wednesday 4 March 2020
- Lithgow, New South Wales - Wednesday 11 March 2020
- Marcoola, Queensland - Wednesday 11 March 2020
- Tenterfield, New South Wales - Thursday 12 March 2020
- Casino, New South Wales - Thursday 12 March 2020
- Darwin, Northern Territory - Thursday 12 March 2020
- Swan Valley, Western Australia - Friday 13 March 2020
- Ulladulla, New South Wales - Tuesday 17 March 2020
- Batemans Bay, New South Wales - Wednesday 18 March 2020
- Bega, New South Wales - Wednesday 18 March 2020
- Eden, New South Wales - Thursday 19 March 2020
- Mallacoota, Victoria - Thursday 19 March 2020
- Orbost, Victoria - Friday 20 March 2020
- Tumbarumba, New South Wales - Friday 20 March 2020
