NEWS & MEDIA 2006
December 20, 2006
MAPPING EXPERTS FOR BUSHFIRES
Geoscience Australia will send two mapping experts to help Victorian fire-fighters after Attorney-General Philip Ruddock approved another request for Commonwealth assistance today.
Mr Ruddock said the available resources had been exhausted, with current staff either on duty or stood-down for rest or welfare purposes.
"The two Geoscience officers can provide expertise in day-to-day analysis of information that is essential for assessing the extent of the damage and where a fire is headed,'' Mr Ruddock said.
"They can also plot information provided from satellite images or planes flying in the area.''
The two Canberra-based officers will be on duty until December 29. As the minister responsible for emergency management, Mr Ruddock has also approved the provision of army engineers, fuel tankers, bulldozers and infra-red line-scanning equipment until January 4.
Emergency Management Australia (EMA), part of the Attorney-General's Department, has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan. This provides a framework for Australian Government assistance to State and Territory governments when their resources are limited. EMA is also monitoring the situation through the National Emergency Management Co-ordination Centre in Canberra.
"The Government is ready to provide any help it can and to fill the breach when fire-fighting resources are stretched," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 20.12.06 (Archived)
December 18, 2006
VITAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES FOR NOOSA
Three new State Emergency Service sheds in the Noosa shire will be officially opened today by the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock.
The facilities at, Boreen Point, Pomona and Cooroy, were constructed with three $50,000 grants under the Government’s Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative.
“These sheds will enable the State Emergency Service to carry out its vital role in protecting the community,” Mr Ruddock said.
“There will be storage and training areas as well as a dedicated quiet space for debriefing crews after they attend what unfortunately appears to be a rising number of major motor vehicle accidents.
Mr Ruddock said he hoped that a positive spin-off from this project would be increased recruitment and retention of volunteers: “There will no longer be a need to travel considerable distances to undertake training,” Mr Ruddock said. I am convinced it will serve as a model for other Councils both in Queensland and around the country.”
“SES personnel are local heroes and they play a vital role in helping communities respond to and recover from traumatic events, he said. “The Government is committed to helping those who are doing the hard work on the ground."
In the 2005-2006 financial year, Mr Ruddock approved 463 projects worth $14.4 million under the Local Grants Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund. In 2006-2007 year, he signed off on a further 365 projects worth $13.1 million.
Last week, the Attorney-General officially opened the application round for funding of projects under the Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative in 2007-2008.
The closing date for applications is 2 March 2007 and more information is available at http://www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment/
Issued by the Attorney-General 18.12.06 (Archived)
December 17, 2006
ARMY BUSHFIRE ROLE EXTENDED
Army personnel and equipment will be on hand to fight the bushfires in Victoria until the New Year after the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, approved a request to extend Federal Government assistance today.
Mr Ruddock said the engineers, fuel tankers, bulldozers and infra-red equipment would be on the job until January 4. They had been due to finish their stint tomorrow (December 18).
"I originally approved the provision of these resources until tomorrow, but it is clear that there is still work to be done,'' Mr Ruddock said.
He said two Army fuel tankers were supplying diesel for water tankers and engineering equipment in the Mansfield-Whitfield region.
"It is very difficult terrain and the tankers and their crews are providing crucial fuel supply support,'' Mr Ruddock said.
"Six Army bulldozers and crews are also helping bushfire authorities in north-east Victoria and East Gippsland to help cut firebreaks and clear debris caused by damaged trees."
The Attorney-General added that an aircraft and crew with infra-red line-scanning capability would continue to provide a strategic overview of the situation and help identify how to best apply resources to the fire fighting effort.
Military assets are also available for repairs in areas where bridges are burned beyond safe use.
Emergency Management Australia (EMA), part of the Attorney-General's Department, has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan. This provides a framework for Australian Government assistance to State and Territory governments when their resources are limited. EMA is also monitoring the situation through the National Emergency Management Co-ordination Centre in Canberra.
"The Government is ready to provide any assistance it can to those fighting bushfires," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 17.12.06 (Archived)
December 14, 2006
FURTHER AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR VICTORIA
Further Australian Government assistance will be provided to Victoria to help control the major bushfires in the east of the state.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has approved another request from the State for Australian Government assistance.
"The request I've approved is for the provision of an aircraft and crew with infra-red line-scanning capability," said Mr Ruddock.
"The aircraft will provide a strategic overview of the fire situation to assist Victorian agencies in identifying how to best apply resources to the fire fighting effort.''
Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan (COMDISPLAN) which provides a framework for the provision of Australian Government assistance to State and Territory governments when their resources are limited. It is monitoring the situation through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre in Canberra.
EMA is also holding regular national Counter Disaster Task Force hook-ups with other Australian Government agencies and representatives from all States and Territories to enable an overview of the fire situation and to identify any areas where assistance might be required.
"The Australian Government remains ready to assist any State or Territory that requires extra resources to fight bushfires in a season that is shaping as one of the worst on record," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 14.12.06 (Archived)
December 11, 2006
GRANTS FOR MANAGING EMERGENCIES
Local governments and volunteer organisations are being invited to apply for grants which help communities develop increased self-reliance in the face of disasters, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.
The funding comes through an Australian Government initiative called Working Together to Manage Emergencies, which has set aside $49 million for projects across Australia.
Applications for funding in 2007/08 will close on 2 March 2007.
"I have been consistently impressed with the quality of applications and the 830 grants have helped many innovative projects get off the ground," said Mr Ruddock.
The Attorney-General said about 500,000 Australians volunteered their services in an emergency management capacity and 350,000 of those were directly involved in the first response to an event.
"By being at the frontline, supporting the community and emergency response agencies, our volunteers are our local heroes,'' Mr Ruddock said.
"Through the 'Working Together' initiative, we can make sure their good work continues.''
To support this initiative the Australian Government has provided $49 million over four years. The funding is offered through the Local Grants Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund, which are administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a Division of the Attorney-General's Department.
Details of the two programs, including Guidelines, Application Forms and Applicant Guides can be found on the EMA website: http://www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment/
Issued by the Attorney-General 11.12.06( Archived)
December 10, 2006
ARMY HELP FOR BUSHFIRE FIGHT
Army engineers and bulldozers will join the fight against major bushfires in Victoria after the Australian Government approved a request for further assistance today.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock, as Minister responsible for national emergency management, had already signed off on the provision of two Army fuel tankers to deliver diesel for fire trucks and bulldozers.
"The requests today are for the Australia Defence Force to identify whether military assets could be used for temporary repairs in areas where bridges are burned beyond safe use,'' Mr Ruddock said.
"I've also approved the provision of up to six Army bulldozers and crews to assist Victorian bushfire authorities in north-east Victoria and East Gippsland to help cut firebreaks and clear debris caused by damaged trees."
The engineers and bulldozers are expected to be on the job tomorrow morning.
Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan, which provides a framework for Australian Government assistance to State and Territory governments when their resources are limited. EMA is monitoring the situation through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre in Canberra.
EMA is also holding regular national Counter Disaster Task Force hook-ups with other Australian Government agencies, representatives from all States and Territories to enable an overview of the fire situation and to identify any areas where assistance might be required.
"The Australian Government is ready to provide any assistance it can to help manage these major bushfire threats," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 10.12.06 (Archived)
December 9, 2006
ADDITIONAL AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT GOING INTO VICTORIA
Additional Australian Government assistance is to be provided to the Victorian Government to help control the major bushfires in the east of the state.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has approved a further request from Victoria for Australian Government assistance.
"The request I've approved is for an extension of a previously tasked Army tanker ands crew to supply diesel for Country Fire Authority water tankers working in the alpine regions," said Mr Ruddock. "The Army can supply a fuel tanker that can traverse the difficult terrain encountered in the mountain country, to keep the water tankers going,"
Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan (COMDISPLAN) which provides a framework for the provision of Australian Government assistance to state and territory governments when their resources are limited. EMA is monitoring the situation through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre in Canberra.
EMA this morning chaired a Counter Disaster Task Force meeting to provide a national view of the current fire situation and identify any areas where assistance may be required. The Task Force is made up of Australian Government agencies, representatives from all States and Territories and the Australasian Fire Authorities Council.
"The Australian Government stands ready to assist any of the states that need extra resources or support to stem bushfires in a season already claimed as one of the worst on record," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 9.12.06 (Archived)
December 6, 2006
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT WILL ASSIST FIREFIGHTERS
Australian Government support is to be provided to the Victorian Government to assist in controlling major bushfires raging in alpine regions in the northeast of the state.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has approved a request from Victoria for Australian Government assistance.
"The task will involve the provision of Army fuel tankers to supply diesel for water tankers and engineering plant - including bulldozers - in the Mansfield-Whitfield region," said Mr Ruddock.
"Because of the difficult terrain and road conditions in the area, Army tankers and their crews will provide much-needed fuel supply support through the next few days."
Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan (COMDISPLAN) which provides a framework for the provision of Australian Government assistance to state and territory governments when their resources are exhausted by the scale of the event. EMA monitors situations through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre in Canberra.
At least 50 bushfires are currently raging across a wide area of Victoria, particularly in East Gippsland. A small number of rural buildings have been lost and residents in several mountains towns have been advised to activate their fire plans.
"The Australian Government is always ready to assist any of the states that need extra resources or support to stem bushfires in a season already claimed as one of the worst on record," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 6.12.06 (Archived)
December 6, 2006
SAFER COMMUNITIES AWARDS
Projects that help improve community resilience in the face of disasters have been recognised at the seventh annual Safer Communities Awards.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the 10 award winners from across Australia had demonstrated a commitment to keeping people safe in an emergency.
"The continued interest in these national awards highlights the importance of building self-reliance in our communities," said Mr Ruddock.
"This is vital when we consider some of the disasters that have occurred in Australia in the past year alone - from devastating cyclones and floods, to major bushfires and terrible road traumas."
Mr Ruddock commended the entrants for learning lessons from previous disastrous events in their regions, such as the recovery of Bunbury from a tornado, and the design of an animal welfare centre after families lost pets in the Canberra bushfires.
Twenty winning projects from a total of 60 entries at state level were considered in the national finals of this year's Safer Communities Awards. They were judged in either pre-disaster or post-disaster categories and were separated into areas covering emergency volunteer organisations, research bodies and private businesses, to federal and state government agencies and local councils.
Many entries were the result of co-operative efforts in the face of emergency management challenges.
"One particularly pleasing outcome of these Awards is the ready transferability of some projects to be great models for other communities," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 06.12.06 (Archived)
November 29, 2006
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE WORKSHOP
International specialists in urban search and rescue are participating in a workshop in Brisbane to promote greater preparedness for recovery operations and the coordination of emergency relief measures.
The Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the United Nations group from across the Asia Pacific region would focus on helping people caught in large structural collapses.
"These might occur as a result of natural disasters such as earthquakes, or through human-caused activity like a terrorist triggered explosion or from a crashed aircraft," Mr Ruddock said.
Participants in the two-day workshop which starts today are members of a division of the United Nations Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). They have travelled from China, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, New Zealand, a number of Pacific nations and several other countries.
Australia will be represented by senior officials from Emergency Management Australia (EMA), which is part of the Attorney-General's Department. Also attending are the Commissioners of the New South Wales and Queensland fire brigades.
"Vital issues such as the sharing of resources when there is a major earthquake will be considered, along with how to equip, train and exercise the teams of people that are called upon when a rescue mission is required," said Mr Ruddock.
This international meeting will be chaired by the Director General of EMA, Mr Tony Pearce, and co-chaired by the Chief Coordinator of International Search and Rescue Organisations from the UN's Geneva office - Mr Arjun Katoch.
Issued by the Attorney-General 29.11.06 (Archived)
November 29, 2006
INFORMATION EXCHANGE IN EMERGENCIES
Crucial information that could help in rescue efforts during disasters will be more readily exchanged after a Bill was passed by Parliament yesterday, said Attorney-General Philip Ruddock.
Mr Ruddock said past experience had shown that agencies and organisations felt hamstrung by the Privacy Act in times of an emergency and felt unable to provide details that could assist victims and their families.
The Privacy Legislation Amendment (Emergencies and Disasters) Bill 2006 provides a framework for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information about people involved in an emergency or disaster.
"The Bill places beyond doubt the capacity of the Australian Government and others to lawfully exchange personal information for a specific purpose," Mr Ruddock said.
"It does not compel disclosure of personal information but confirms that disclosure is permitted in such situations.''
The provisions of the Bill will be triggered by a declaration from either the Prime Minister or the Attorney-General that an emergency or disaster has occurred in Australia or overseas.
"The Bill will give agencies and organisations greater confidence regarding personal information that may be disclosed under the Privacy Act about someone who may have been killed, injured or is missing," Mr Ruddock said.
"It will also ensure the Privacy Act does not cause any delay in the proper delivery of prompt services to victims of tragedies.
Issued by the Attorney-General 29.11.06 (Archived)
November 17, 2006
LAUNCH OF EMERGENCY INFORMATION WEBSITE
An internet website that allows the public to access emergency information across Australia has been launched in Adelaide today.
The Australian Disaster Information Network (AusDIN) will provide links to emergency management organisations in every state and territory.
The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, launched the site at a meeting of emergency services ministers and said it would prove invaluable.
"With the internet being such a popular source of information, this initiative will give people the information they need to learn about events such as bushfires, floods or cyclones," Mr Ruddock said.
"The launch of AusDIN comes at a particularly relevant time with the start of the summer natural disaster season upon us."
Funding for this project - $366,000 - was provided to a multi-jurisdictional team from the Working Together to Manage Emergencies Australian Government initiative, announced by the Attorney-General late last year. It has been a collaborative effort with each state and territory emergency management agency.
The AusDIN site will also tap into weather reports, spatial information, warnings and alerts, and provide information on preparing for disasters and what to do in times of evacuation. There will be links to recovery organisations, charity and support groups, and international links.
AusDIN is the first whole-of-government emergency management initiative to use the internet to link and share information relevant to the sector.
The link is: http://www.ausdin.gov.au/
Issued by the Attorney-General 17.11.06 (Archived)
November 4, 2006
HOAX TSUNAMI WARNING EMAILS
The Australian Government will request the removal of a website link thought to be responsible for spam emails warning of an impending tsunami.
The email claims to be from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii and suggests an earthquake has occurred and a tsunami is approaching Japan. The link is understood to lead to a Sydney company
The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, said the email had been formatted in a similar way to official earthquake and tsunami warnings.
"This may be an irresponsible joke, but it is totally inappropriate because some people may become alarmed,'' said Mr Ruddock.
"I can assure Australians that no such earthquake has occurred. We have now alerted the relevant authorities who can investigative the hoax warning.''
The Attorney-General said the only authority that disseminates tsunami warnings was the Bureau of Meteorology.
Emergency Management Australia, within Mr Ruddock's portfolio, is working with the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia to enhance tsunami warning arrangements.
This includes the establishment of a $68.9 million Australian Tsunami Warning System funded by the Government following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Issued by the Attorney-General 4.11.06 (Archived)
October 20, 2006
50 YEARS OF EMERGENCY TRAINING
A time capsule made out of a fire nozzle and featuring newspaper front pages, staff photos and memorabilia will be unveiled at the 50th anniversary celebrations of Australia's Emergency Management Institute at Mt Macedon today.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said thousands of emergency managers from all levels of government, the community and private enterprise have undertaken disaster management training at the Emergency Management Australia Institute.
Mr Ruddock said that the rapid and effective response to Cyclone Larry earlier this year underlined the value of the Institute.
"Without a committed and sustained education and training facility, our response may not have been as effective," Mr Ruddock said.
"Over the course of the last five decades, the Institute has witnessed significant changes in the scope and style of emergency management. Recently we have seen the inclusion of vital areas of training such as in the protection of critical infrastructure and business continuity management."
It is imperative to have an organisation with a nationally-focused charter to collaborate with State and Territory emergency authorities to build community resilience.
"The tasks we now prepare for include managing a chemical, biological or radiological incident and these are provided for in this nationally accredited education and training facility," Mr Ruddock said.
Mr Tony Pearce, the current Director General of Emergency Management Australia, will also attend along with many of the organisation's former Directors-General.
The site of the EMA Institute was first developed in 1919 as a holiday guest house and during World War Two it was used as a hospital for children with disabilities. After the war it became a guest house again, then a convent, before being purchased by the Commonwealth. It opened as the Australian Civil Defence School in July of 1956. New structures replaced the original building in 1976 to provide residential, instructional and administrative facilities.
Issued by the Attorney-General 20.10.06 (Archived)
October 13, 2006
BUSHFIRE SUPPORT FOR STATES
Emergency Management Australia is on full alert to assist fire fighting efforts across the nation, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.
Mr Ruddock said the Government was monitoring the situation and that EMA would be able to quickly coordinate assistance if the state authorities call for additional aid.
"I am concerned at the large number of fires that are being fought by bushfire brigades,'' Mr Ruddock said.
"The State and Territory fire-fighters are doing an excellent job to restrict them to small outbreaks, but the weather forecast for the weekend does not look good, with high winds and high temperatures predicted."
Mr Ruddock said EMA, which is part of the Attorney-Generals Department, could - upon request from an affected State or Territory - call on fire-fighting resources in other states and coordinate support from Australian Government agencies. These might include the ADF, which can provide ground clearance, equipment and transport.
In South Australia fires are burning near Mt Taylor on Kangaroo Island, at Beachport in the southeast and on the Eyre Peninsula.
In Victoria fire crews are battling to control many smaller fires with a small number of quite large ones, in Gippsland, in the Baw Baw National Park, at Yallourn, and at an open-cut mine at Morwell.
In New South Wales there are more than a dozen fires. The largest are in the Snowy River and Tumbarumba National Park regions near Tooma Dam and in the Cooma-Monaro region, where nearly 1500 hectares are burning. Fires in the Hunter Valley have been contained, but there have been outbreaks near Campbelltown and Holsworthy south of Sydney.
In Tasmania, fire crews are battling around 20 blazes, including on the outskirts of Hobart and on King Island. Some 14,000 hectares are ablaze on Cape Barren Island.
The Northern Territory is also experiencing bushfire outbreaks - in the Douglas Daly area.
Mr Ruddock said the community was a vital part of fire fighting efforts.
"People should take precautions as we have outlined in the recent bushfire television campaign and contact their State and Territory fire authority for local advice," said Mr Ruddock.
Issued by the Attorney-General 16.10.06 (Archived)
September 13, 2006
IMPROVING THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES
Information that helps identify and assist disaster victims will be more readily exchanged under a Bill introduced in the Senate today, said Attorney-General Philip Ruddock.
The Privacy Legislation Amendment (Emergencies and Disasters) Bill 2006 will provide a clear legal basis to manage the collection, use and disclosure of personal information about people involved in an emergency or disaster.
"The Bill places beyond doubt the capacity of the Australian Government and others to lawfully exchange personal information for a specific purpose in an emergency or disaster situation," Mr Ruddock said.
"It does not compel disclosure of personal information but confirms that disclosure is permitted in such situations."
The provisions of the Bill will be triggered by a declaration made by either the Prime Minister or the Attorney-General that an emergency or disaster has occurred in Australia or overseas.
The Attorney-General said the Bill will give agencies and organisations greater confidence regarding personal information that may be disclosed under the Privacy Act about someone who may have been killed, injured or is missing.
"It will also ensure the Privacy Act does not cause any delay in the proper delivery of prompt services to victims of tragedies," Mr Ruddock said.
The Bill was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders in the public and private sectors, including the Australian Privacy Commissioner and the Australian Red Cross.
Issued by the Attorney-General 03.09.06 (Archived)
August 14, 2006
APEC News Release
2006 APEC PANDEMIC RESPONSE EXERCISE
Singapore Workshop 14-15 August 2006.
"A preliminary review of a major exercise designed to test communication in the event of a human influenza pandemic within the APEC region has recommended strengthening networks that can be activated in times of an emergency."
For a news release about the workshop please go to http://www.apec.org/
August 2, 2006
$13 MILLION TO TACKLE EMERGENCIES
Attorney General Philip Ruddock has announced details of 365 projects, valued at $13.1 million to be funded in 2006/07 through the Local Grants Scheme (LGS) and National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF).
The two programs were developed in September 2004 as part of the "Working Together to Manage Emergencies" initiative, which recognised the need to develop strategies to improve community safety and handle the recruitment, retention and training of volunteers.
The projects range in value from under $1,000 for the purchase of Tabards for use in an Emergency Operations Centre to $360,000 for the development of the Australian Disaster Information Network (AusDIN) web portal - a national project that provides access to a wealth of emergency management information.
Each state and territory convened a selection committee to prioritise funding applications from local government areas, indigenous communities and volunteer organisations.
"The successful projects provide assistance to the full range of volunteer organisations in the emergency management sector and support their efforts to build safer sustainable communities," Mr Ruddock said.
"The successful projects showcase the innovation, commitment and enthusiasm of our communities in assuring their safety from emergencies and disasters," he said.
The funding breakdown by individual jurisdictions as announced by Mr Ruddock was:
|
NSW |
$3.2 million |
|
Victoria |
$2.1 million |
| Queensland | $2.7 million |
| SA | $1.2 million |
| WA | $2.2 million |
| Tasmania | $0.5 million |
| NT | $0.5 million |
| ACT | $0.2 million |
| National Projects | $0.5 million* |
Applications for funding under the two programs in financial year 2007/08 will be called for in mid-December 2006, with a closing date of 2 March 2007.
It is expected that guidelines and application forms will be available on the Emergency Management Australia website at http://www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment from mid-December.
* National projects are those assessed as having significant benefit across all states and territories.
Issued by the Attorney-General 02.08.06 (Archived)
July 18, 2006
AUSTRALIA ON STANDBY TO PROVIDE TSUNAMI SUPPORT
Australia is ready to assist Indonesia and surrounding region after an earthquake off the coast of West Java last night was followed by a tsunami, the Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.
The tremor was felt in Jakarta 355 km from the epicentre. Several small hotels along Pangandaran Beach have been destroyed with damage also to Cipatujah-Tasikmalaya, Cilacap and Kebumen.
Mr Ruddock said Emergency Management Australia (EMA) was on standby should Indonesia request any assistance.
"Australians magnificently responded to the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004," Mr Ruddock said.
"We have continued to build on the strong relationship with the Indonesian emergency management agency to ensure that assistance can be provided efficiently."
Mr Ruddock said EMA is continuing to monitor active volcanoes throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Issued by the Attorney-General 18.07.06 (Archived)
June 13, 2006
APEC PANDEMIC RESPONSE PASSES THE TEST
A hypothetical outbreak of a new strain of influenza has put the 21 economies of APEC to the test in a successful pandemic response exercise completed in Canberra this week.
For the purposes of the 'APEC Pandemic Response Exercise 2006', the new 'Malacca Straits Flu' was suspected in some fishermen, whose boat subsequently capsized and who were rescued by a passing passenger cruise ship. This led to a hypothetical 'outbreak' of pandemic proportions within the APEC region
The scenario successfully achieved the goal of testing communication responses during the exercise, which lasted 26 hours across eight time zones-starting in Wellington, New Zealand on Wednesday and concluding yesterday with final calls to Washington, DC.
More than 500 messages were dispatched between the participating economies, involving language translations in Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish.
Senior officials from the relevant agencies made critical decisions based on 'real' developments, communicating through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre of Emergency Management Australia (EMA) in Canberra.
The exercise attracted credible responses from participating economies, including Australia, which were able to quickly activate and communicate their national preparedness plans. Some of the more creative responses included one economy offering to immediately build a factory to supply the region with more protective masks and another economy whose suggested advice to its citizens included to "stop kissing and to eat more vegetables."
A 'Lessons Learned' workshop hosted by Singapore will be the next phase with a final report and recommendations for future arrangements submitted to APEC Ministers and leaders in November 2006.
'APEC Pandemic Response Exercise 2006' was part of the Australian Government's $100 million regional assistance package over four years to combat the threat of pandemics and other emerging infectious diseases within the region.
Issued by the Attorney-General 13.06.06 (Archived)
June 2, 2006
AUSTRALIA TO LEAD APEC PANDEMIC RESPONSE EXERCISE 2006
A regional simulation exercise to test and strengthen emergency communication across the 21 economies of APEC in the event of a human influenza pandemic will be led by Australia next week.
Senior officials from relevant agencies around the region will make real-time decisions based on a hypothetical scenario. From their usual work places, they will share information and communicate as they would in a real pandemic situation – but there will be no field operations associated with the Exercise.
The exercise –‘APEC Pandemic Response Exercise 2006’ – is a key initiative under the APEC Action Agenda endorsed by the APEC leaders last year and part of Australia’s $100 million regional assistance package over four years to combat the threat of pandemics and other emerging infectious diseases within the region.
The exercise will involve emergency management, health and Government officials from all APEC economies and several international observers, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
All 21 members of APEC have committed to participate with Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Viet Nam taking an active role in the scenario as ‘primary’ participants. Other APEC members – Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and the US have a less hands-on role, but will share in the information learned from the exercise.
Singapore is a co-facilitator of the exercise and will host a ‘Lessons Learned’ workshop for participants and observers in August.
The exercise, funded by AusAID, will be coordinated from Emergency Management Australia’s headquarters in Canberra. EMA and DFAT are lead agencies.
Australia also will hold a major domestic exercise – Exercise Cumpston – in October to test domestic arrangements for responding to a pandemic.
Issued by the Attorney-General 02.06.06 (Archived)
May 31, 2006
AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL TEAM TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN JAVA
A team of medical personnel departs today for Yogyakarta as part of the Australian aid effort to the quake ravaged region.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock approved the deployment under AUSASSISTPLAN-the Australian Government Overseas Disaster Assistance Plan in support of AusAid.
The team will be coordinated by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), within the Attorney-General's Department, working in close cooperation with AusAid, the Department of Health and Ageing, NSW State Emergency Management Committee and the NSW Health Department (Counter Disaster Unit) on this effort.
Mr Ruddock said it was an excellent example of different levels of government working together in times of emergencies.
The surgical-medical team is expected to comprise 27 medical professionals including three surgeons, one orthopaedic doctor, four anaesthetists, eight nurses, one paramedic, other specialist medical staff, as well as liaison officers from EMA and AusAID.
The team will leave Sydney for Yogyakarta on a commercial flight tonight.
Issued by the Attorney-General 31.05.06 (Archived)
MEDICAL EVACUATION PLAN TO ASSIST INJURED IN EAST TIMOR
The Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has approved the activation of a mass casualty evacuation plan to bring injured people from East Timor to Darwin for treatment.
Two critically injured East Timorese police officers have been transported and another eight injured patients are expected to be in Darwin tonight under the Australian Government National Response Plan for Mass Casualty Incident Involving Australian Overseas (OSMASSCASPLAN), managed by Emergency Management Australia within the Attorney-General’s Department.
The plan facilitates either Defence aircraft or commercial flights to be used to evacuate injured people requiring urgent medical treatment, and coordinates resources and personnel across all government agencies.
Meanwhile, evacuees from East Timor continue to take advantage of the Australian Government’s offer of transport to Darwin. To date, nine ADF and other commercial flights have carried 318 people out of Dili – of which 170 have been Australian as well as other approved third country nationals from the UK, the United States, South America, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and the Philippines.
“Emergency Management Australia has deployed three experienced emergency management liaison officers to Darwin to coordinate the ongoing evacuation,”
Mr Ruddock said.
“Of yesterday’s flights only 13 evacuees required overnight accommodation at a temporary facility at Berrimah in Darwin, but capacity is available should more require a place to stay when they arrive.”
EMA has now activated four of its national emergency plans – the latest is the Australian Government Overseas Disaster Assistance Plan (AUSASSISTPLAN) which has been activated in anticipation of a formal request for assistance by Indonesia following the 6.3 strength earthquake in Java yesterday. More than 3000 people were killed and many injured in the earthquake near Yogyakarta.
Potential damage from two other earthquakes – a 6.2 strength earthquake in the New Britain region of Papua New Guinea and a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in the region of Tonga – will also continue to be monitored by EMA.
Issued by the Attorney-General 28.05.06 (Archived)
May 17, 2006
Pacific Wave 06 to test tsunami response
Australia this week joins with other Pacific nations to test communication networks in the event of a tsunami occurring in the Pacific Ocean, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has announced.
A simulated tsunami generated by an earthquake near Chile sending a wave across several Pacific islands and onto New Zealand and Australia has been designed to evaluate decision-making arrangements between Pacific Rim countries. The Attorney-General today is observing the exercise ‘Pacific Wave 06’ in New Zealand where he has been discussing bilateral issues such as national security and harmonisation of laws across the Tasman.
“None of us will never forget the tragedy that unfolded on Boxing Day, 2004, when we witnessed with horror the devastation and human cost of a natural disaster of a magnitude not previously contemplated in this region or anywhere in the world,” Mr Ruddock said.
“By joining with our neighbours to test the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, we are taking an important step to ensuring we are better prepared for an ocean-wide tsunami,” he said.
Mr Ruddock has seen emergency management facilities in Wellington in operation during the exercise when he met with his New Zealand counterpart – the Minister for Civil Defence – Rob Barker.
The exercise is testing the sharing of information and alerting mechanisms just as they would be issued during a real event. In addition, Emergency Management Australia (EMA) will activate the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre to liaise between Australian Government departments and disaster management offices in other countries.
No public warnings will take place as Pacific Wave 06 is a ‘desktop’ exercise involving communication and decision making at government levels, without disruption to the general public.
Other Australian Government departments involved are Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Read more about the Australian Tsunami Warning System.
Issued by the Attorney-General 17.05.06 (Archived)
May 9, 2006
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Capability
The Australian Government today announced funding of $8.4 million over four years to improve Australia’s ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.
“This funding reflects the ongoing need for research and development to improve our capabilities to deal with terrorism ,” Mr Ruddock said. The Australian Government will spend $6.0 million on research and development to support Australia’s CBRN capabilities covering areas such as:
• personal protective clothing and equipment
• decontamination
• detection
• rapid mitigation, and
• site restoration.
A further $2.4 million will provide for deployable mortuary services to help manage large numbers of fatalities that might result from terrorist attacks involving CBRN weapons.
The Australian Government will work closely with State and Territory emergency, police and health representatives as well as the National Disaster Victim Identification Committee to ensure interoperability of the Australian Government funded service with local, regional and state level services.
“I am pleased that this funding will assist our fire-fighters, police, ambulance and public health specialists who would be at the front line of our response to terrorist attacks on Australia,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Our response personnel must be properly equipped, trained, and exercised to respond to terrorist threats and attacks.
“The programme will be administered by Emergency Management Australia, a division of the Attorney-General’s Department,” he said.
Issued by the Attorney-General 09.05.06 (Archived)
May 3, 2006
Beach-goers in Darwin will get greater protection and volunteer life savers a welcome morale boost with the presentation today of two surf rescue jet skis to Surf Life Saving Northern Territory by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock.
The jet skis have been purchased with a $30,800 grant under the Australian Government's new Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative. They will form part of an expansion of rescue and medical services along Darwin beaches.
"The jet skis will increase the capability of the Surf Life Saving organisation to patrol Darwin's beaches and provide a faster emergency response to beach-goers who find themselves in trouble," Mr Ruddock said.
"The value of our volunteer surf life savers cannot be underestimated. A large number of people are rescued from the ocean every year and owe their lives to the efforts of these volunteers," he said.
The Australian Government has approved 463 projects to the value of $14.4 million funding across Australia under the Local Grants Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund in 2005-06.
The projects supported will help local government and volunteer agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
"This local project epitomises the Government's commitment to supporting local governments and volunteer organisations at the frontline of emergency management," Mr Ruddock said.
"We want to assist local communities in a real and practical way to develop strategies to improve emergency management and build safer sustainable communities," he said.
Applications for funding in the 2006-07 year are currently being assessed. The Attorney-General is expected to announce successful grants in mid July.
Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative helps make Darwin beaches safer.
Issued by the Attorney-General 03.05.06 (Archived)
April 12, 2006
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DELIVERS FOOD FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
The Australian Defence Force will provide catering facilities and food supplies for 327 people who have been evacuated from the flooded Daly River region to Pine Creek in the Northern Territory.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said that this was the second request from the Northern Territory being actioned by Australian Government as part of Australia’s cooperative disaster response and recovery arrangements.
A previous request provided tents, bedding and temporary power for approximately 150 people at the Pine Creek site on Sunday.
“Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has been liaising closely with the Northern Territory Emergency Services so we have been well-prepared to respond to requests for assistance,” Mr Ruddock said.
“We have a well-rehearsed disaster response plan which enables us to respond quickly and efficiently to requests which was demonstrated recently in the massive cooperative response to Cyclone Larry in North Queensland.
In line with standard practice after the activation of the Commonwealth Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN), Mr Ruddock said that the EMA would also be conducting a wide-ranging review of the Government response to Cyclone Larry.
“It is important that we identify any lessons that we can take away from our collective response and recovery effort to ensure that all levels of government are able to continuously improve our response to disasters,” Mr Ruddock said.
Issued by the Attorney-General 11.04.06 (Archived)
March 21, 2006
Emergency Management Australia coordinates Australian Government assistance to the Queensland Government with their recovery efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Larry.
Australian Government arrangements for assisting communities affected by Cyclone Larry have been authorised by the Attorney General.
The National Emergency Management Coordination Centre at Emergency Management Australia’s (EMA) headquarters in Canberra has commenced 24 hour operations in support of the Queensland government response to the impact of Cyclone Larry.
Two EMA liaison officers have been deployed to the Queensland operations centre to assist in the response.
The attorney has approved, and EMA has coordinated, requests for assistance in the provision of a diverse range of support including;
• aerial reconnaissance
• transport for Queensland emergency and medical personnel
• satellite imagery, and
• food, water, tarpaulins and communications equipment.
EMA will continue to monitor events in North Queensland and remain on 24 hour standby to facilitate any further requests from the Queensland Government.
Associated links:
http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/
http://www.pm.gov.au/news/media_releases/media_Release1827.html
http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/NelsonMintpl.cfm?CurrentId=5484
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=5486
March 1, 2006
David Templeman to leave EMA
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has paid tribute to the contribution of David Templeman after almost six years at the helm of Emergency Management Australia.
Mr Ruddock said Mr Templeman had overseen Australia’s emergency management and coordination arrangements at a pivotal time in both natural disaster management and in counter-terrorism planning, preparation and response
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