Labor backs calls today from former fire and emergency chiefs to hold a national summit on bushfire preparedness in our changing climate.
We have heard repeatedly from this group of ex-fire chiefs and organisations such as the Red Cross that our nation is not prepared for the increasing frequency and intensity of future natural disasters.
So far this bushfire season, the Prime Minister has:
- Refused to meet with ex-fire chiefs, who wanted to warn him about the dangerous conditions we now face,
- Dismissed Labor’s suggestion to hold an urgent COAG meeting to ensure Australia was prepared for future bushfires and other natural disasters, and
- Rejected concerns about fatigue among our volunteer firefighters, saying “they want to be there”.
It’s time Scott Morrison swallowed his pride, showed leadership and brought together fire chiefs, scientists, farmers and our defence forces, to plan for the future.
Disaster preparedness is a national issue which deserves national leadership.
Unfortunately, leadership is not what we see from the Prime Minister, who continue to bury his head in the sand, ignoring the warnings and pleas from experts, scientists and communities.
It’s time Scott Morrison listened to the experts and ensured Australia is disaster ready.
We need a national plan to ensure Australia has the resources and coordination to effectively manage future bushfires and natural disasters.
WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2019
