PSI Affiliate speaking up for the critical role local government plays in both preventing natural disasters and managing them when they occur

Councils are amongst the first responders when the community is struck by disasters such as fire and flood.

The ASU knows about the major contribution which many of our members make in serving Australian communities in times of crisis.  This includes workers employed in water and energy, social and community services as well as local government, whose skills and training are crucial in responding quickly and effectively in times of natural disaster.
Local councils are often tasked with setting up relief centres, particularly when disasters strike regional and rural areas where services are thinly distributed. Community services workers from other sectors often come in to staff these centres along with council workers to meet high demands. Utilities workers arrive to deal with damage to essential services, to restore them as quickly as possible.
Read the ful larticle at http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/141111-local-govt-disaster-prevention-relief

PSI Affiliate the ASU recently lodged a submission to the Australian Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Natural Disaster Funding  -- ASU at the hearings full transcript can be locate at http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disaster-funding/public-hearings