IGEM Report 1: 2017-18 - THE CYCLONE DEBBIE REVIEW

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Supporting the disaster districts, and providing direction about disaster management are a range of state-level committees, groups and agencies. At their peak sits the Queensland Disaster Management Committee (QDMC). Its role is to ensure the development and implementation of effective disaster management for the state and to provide clear and unambiguous senior strategic leadership in relation to the four phases of disaster management – prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. 5

In November 2016, the Committee endorsed one of the main documents required by the Act. The Strategic Policy Statement ’s objectives are direct:

Underlying precepts

• “Strive to safeguard people, property and the environment from disaster impacts. • Empower and support local communities to manage disaster risks, respond to events and be more resilient.” 9

During Debbie the Premier continually reiterated these objectives: “prevent loss of life and keep everyone safe”

(SDCG minutes 27 March 2017)

When responding to a disaster the main legislative functions of the Committee are establishing relations with the Commonwealth, identifying resources, and coordinating assistance for disaster operations. 6 The QDMC formally allows direct Ministerial participation in the strategic management of disaster events, resulting in faster and better informed decision-making during a disaster event. 7 The Committee is chaired by the Premier of Queensland. Its standing members are ministers, supported by “attending officials,” who are senior public servants. Together they represent the portfolios of local government, transport, roads, police, fire and emergency services, housing and public works, health, ambulance, communities, child safety, disability services, and treasury. Others may be invited. The Australian Defence Force, the Bureau, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Australian Red Cross are external representatives co-opted as required. 8 Since 2016 the State Recovery Policy and Planning Coordinator attends meetings during disaster response operations.

The QDMC is supported by the State Disaster Coordinator (SDC) and the State Disaster Coordination Group (SDCG). The permanently-appointed SDC, a police deputy commissioner, ensures that “accurate timely and relevant information is given to the QDMC during disaster response, and that the strategic decisions Its 2014 Terms of Reference give it the role of “coordinating disaster response operations for the QDMC and ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, that any strategic decisions of the QDMC about disaster response operations are implemented.” 11 The SDCG has no role outside the response phase, although its Terms of Reference allow for preparedness activities and an effective handover to recovery. 12 The SDCG is made up of senior officers from all Queensland Government departments, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Public Safety Business Agency. Non-government organisations and commonwealth agencies are standing invitees. of QDMC about disaster response operations are implemented.” 10 The SDCG also supports the SDC.

34

The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment