What can we improve now to prepare for future catastrophic and cascading disasters?

While a truly catastrophic disaster is by definition unmanageable, emergency managers can still help reduce loss of life and property and assist in sustaining the continuity of affected communities. 

Researchers at Risk Frontiers, Macquarie University and Australian National University explored the views and perceptions of Australian and international emergency managers on how best to prepare for the inevitability of catastrophic events, helping to influence legislative and policy reform to decrease risks associated with catastrophe. This research proposes an all-hazards, nationwide whole-of-community approach to improve the way catastrophes are planned for in Australia.

The team developed a Capability Maturity Assessment Tool that can be used by government departments, emergency services and other emergency management organisations to assess whether they have adequate capability to deal with catastrophes. 

Hazard Note 103 explains this research and presents the Capability Maturity Assessment Tool and other resources that can be used to further influence the improvement of disaster law in Australia.