As the bushfire season and supercharged El Niño event begins to impact parts of Australia, the Australian Government is investing an additional $12 million to strengthen bushfire risk management and support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency first responders.
The investment will go towards improving the Australia Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) and extending three critical national services that provide bushfire and mental health support.
Included in the funding is:
- Enhancing the accuracy of the AFDRS.
- Dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for emergency first responders.
- Continuing the National Bushfire Intelligence Capability (NBIC).
- Continuing the North Australia and Rangelands Fire Information Service (NAFI).
This funding builds on our investment in the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet over the next three years, ensuring aircraft can be rapidly deployed wherever and whenever disasters strike.
The Albanese Government's investments in improvements to the AFDRS, will help keep communities safe during bushfire season. The AFDRS capability is supported by state and territory governments and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The National Bushfire Intelligence Capability (NBIC) is managed by CSIRO and will receive an additional support to provide governments with nationally consistent bushfire risk intelligence. It will help identify areas of greatest risk and support evidence-based decisions on preparedness, mitigation and investment to better protect communities.
The North Australia and Rangelands Fire Information Service (NAFI), operated by Charles Darwin University, delivers critical bushfire information across northern and remote Australia. This supports governments, Indigenous ranger groups and land managers to monitor fire activity, undertake hazard reduction activities and reduce bushfire risk in some of the country's most fire-prone regions.
Recognising the vital role of Australia's emergency services workforce, the Albanese Government will also extend funding for mental health support services delivered by Fortem. The program will be extended to December 2027, ensuring first responders and emergency service workers across Australia can access dedicated mental health and wellbeing support.
New capabilities AusAlert and Temporary Disaster Roaming will also be available this Higher Risk Weather Season to help provide timely and relevant information and keep people connected during emergencies.
Together, these investments will strengthen Australia's preparedness for El Nino, bushfires and other natural hazards, while helping ensure the people who protect communities during emergencies receive the support they need.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"For a long time, science has told us that there would be more extreme weather events, and they would be more intense with each passing year.
"We are now into the high-risk weather season, and this year is no different.
"While we cannot predict exactly when or where the next emergency or disaster will happen, Australia is well prepared, and the government stands ready to respond."
Quotes attributable Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"With severe weather from El Nino and bushfire risks increasing, investing in preparedness before disasters strike is essential to protecting lives, livelihoods, property and communities.
"This funding will ensure communities continue to have access to the information and tools they need to better manage bushfire risk across Australia.
"We also recognise that our emergency services personnel need support, not just during disasters, but long after the sirens stop.
"Providing mental health support to our emergency first responders will ensure they can continue to do the incredibly important job they do for our communities in their time of need."
