Professional firefighters are warning Australia is dangerously unprepared for worsening bushfires and natural disasters caused by climate change, calling for governments to invest in disaster response readiness and for closer cooperation between levels of government and portfolios.
The United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) has issued the warning in light of the findings of the federal government's National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA).
The NCRA says that worsening disasters present challenges to the physical and mental wellbeing of emergency services workers that could impair responses, and that the effectiveness of Australia's entire emergency response system is threatened.
It recommends:
- Strategies to boost the capacity and diversity of Australia's emergency response workforce across both professional and volunteer workforces
- Better coordination across levels of government and portfolios to address risks that cross state lines, and the secondary risks of natural disasters to essential resources, industries and infrastructure such as water supply, agriculture and food security
- Investment in technology such as early warning systems and enhanced personal protective equipment for emergency responders
- Greater consideration of natural disaster risks in planning decisions and infrastructure delivery
As a member of the Renew Australia for All coalition, the UFUA stands alongside 76 partner organisations calling for real, concrete action to address the challenges we face from climate change. The NCRA is a wake-up call for all governments to act now, say members of the coalition.
The UFUA urges the government to commit to immediate Commonwealth investment in frontline emergency response capacity, and stronger national coordination through the National Emergency Management Agency.
UFUA National Secretary Greg McConville said the reports highlighted the urgency of the task ahead of policymakers.
"Firefighters are on the front lines of climate change – they put their lives on the line to protect life and property from bushfires and natural disasters," Mr McConville said.
"Climate change is driving more frequent and severe disasters, but Australia is still dangerously unprepared.
"Today's reports shows clearly that there are actions we must take today to prepare for a greater frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the coming years.
"It is critical that Australian governments invest in the people who protect our homes, towns, infrastructure and essential services so that Australia can be more resilient in the face of what's coming.
"For years we've seen committees, inquiries and reports, but not the investment in the frontline capacity actually required to keep Australians safe. We need urgent action – real investment in professional emergency response, surge capacity, and national coordination.
"These steps are feasible right now. Every summer we delay puts lives, homes and communities at greater risk."
