Submission to inquiry into lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20
UPDATE 1 SEPTEMBER 2020
Following on from the CBAA’s appearance at the Federal Government’s inquiry into “lessons to be learned in relation the Australian bushfire season 2019-20”, the CBAA has provided further evidence regarding the need for resilient and reliable broadcast services, especially in critical times like emergencies. An integral part of futureproofing the sector is ensuring the renewal of sector funding beyond June 2021, particularly for digital radio, which the CBAA continues to advocate for.
On Monday 31 August, the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements handed down their interim observations, where they recognised both the ABC and community radio as “trusted broadcaster(s) of emergency messages and warnings.” The full report is expected to be released in October.
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Following up from the CBAA's submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, the CBAA has also made a submission to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee's inquiry into lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20.
The devastating bushfires that impacted vast regions of Australia towards the end of 2019 and into 2020 saw over 80 community radio stations broadcasting in fire affected areas or to fire affected communities. These stations are closely linked to their local areas and communities, drawing their announcing, producing and support volunteers and staff directly from the towns and locales where they broadcast.
- the role played by community broadcasters during the 2019-20 bushfire emergencies and other natural disasters;
- the challenges stations faced both during and in the aftermath of these natural disasters;
- the Victorian emergency broadcasting model and how it could be adapted as part of a national approach; and
- the need for involvement and integration of the community radio sector in the Government’s recovery programs and natural disaster planning.
Read the full submission.
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