Summary Report – Phase 2 – Relief and recovery
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Observations, findings and recommendations Chapter 3 Foundations of emergency management Finding 3.1
Council capacity to conduct secondary impact assessment is stretched and further compromised by inefficiencies in impact assessment processes, guidance and tools.
Finding 3.2
The centralised portal for sharing impact assessment data did not facilitate efficient information sharing between agencies due to system-based errors, usability constraints and unresolved information access permissions between organisations.
Finding 3.3
The systems and procedures for collecting and collating data did not support more informed relief and recovery planning, and increased community stress following the 2019–20 Victorian fire season.
Finding 3.4
Information-sharing practices between Victorian relief and recovery organisations during and after the 2019–20 Victorian fire season did not align with communities' expectations.
Finding 3.5
Information-sharing practices are not meeting the needs of affected communities and individuals who are required to re-tell their stories, compile various forms of evidence to demonstrate impacts and navigate systems and processes that were stressful and difficult.
Observation 3.1
Throughout 2020 and 2021 the operation of an incident-focused recovery forum has provided oversight for recovery following the 2019–20 Victorian fire season. Despite this, there is no dedicated, strategic body to provide system-wide direction for emergency relief and recovery from all emergencies in Victoria.
Observation 3.2
A recommendation has been made by the Victorian Information Commissioner to develop an information sharing framework to improve decision-making during emergencies.
Recommendation 1
The Inspector-General for Emergency Management recommends that Emergency Management Victoria and the entity referred to in Recommendation 13, or otherwise responsible government department – in consultation with the emergency management sector – establish policies and platforms to improve operational and personal information sharing between relief and recovery organisations. These policies and platforms should enable: (a) timely and comprehensive sharing of data related to impacts and consequences of emergencies (b) increased ability to provide streamlined and proactive relief and recovery support services and financial assistance to affected individuals, families, businesses and community groups.
Chapter 4 Relief and recovery capacity Finding 4.1
There is a shortage of dedicated relief and recovery capability and capacity across government organisations in Victoria.
Finding 4.2
During operational periods, there is a lack of consistent leadership capability to ensure relief and recovery priorities are considered as part of the overall response.
Finding 4.3
The reimbursement of costs associated with municipal resource sharing is burdensome and often unsuccessful for councils.
Finding 4.4
Municipal resource sharing was essential in providing the capacity and capability required to deliver on councils’ roles and responsibilities during the prolonged and complex relief and recovery efforts of the 2019–20 Victorian fire season.
