The prime minister has used his National Press Club address to lay out a national approach to dealing with disasters such as bushfires.
Scott Morrison has flagged new powers to allow a"national state of emergency" to be declared in crises such as the current bushfires.
"The incredible skill and bravery of our state fire services have saved so many lives over this summer," he said.But he said there was a"clear community expectation" the government should be able to respond to national emergencies and disasters. "The one thing I don't want any Australian to feel like when they go through a situation like that is that they are alone and they are isolated," Mr Morrison said.In order to clear up issues such as when defence forces can be used, the government will examine three steps:
* an enhanced"national accountability" for natural disaster risk management, resilience and preparedness, including setting targets, reporting on key actions and national standards.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern announces September 19 electionNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern calls an election for September 19, it is one that will test her popularity heavily due to the country facing economic issues.
Read more »
Ardern laughs off rejecting PM Morrison's mid-news conference call | Sky News AustraliaJacinda Ardern has laughed off rejecting a call from Scott Morrison after the Australian prime minister inadvertently crashed his New Zealand counterpart’s news conference. \n\nThe New Zealand prime minister was being asked if her country would tag on to Australia’s efforts to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan amid the deepening coronavirus spread, when Mr Morrison attempted to get in contact. \n\nMs Ardern laughed off the interruption and told reporters “that’s PM Morrison dialling in as we speak” before rejecting the call and saying she would continue to talk with her counterparts on the issue. \n
Read more »
Marles brands PM a liar | Sky News AustraliaRichard Marles has branded Scott Morrison a liar following his appearance at the National Press Club where he said his government was taking practical climate action. \n\nSpeaking with Sky News, the deputy Labor leader criticised the prime minister for his “fundamental lack of leadership” when it came to climate change and failure to take up the call at an international level. \n\n“We are not on target to meet our Kyoto targets … we are not on track to meet the commitments on the Paris accord,” he said. \n\n“The global assessment of Australia is that we are ranked right at the bottom on the terms of climate change.\n\n“I think the Australian people can now see through the fact this is a prime minister who lies.”\n
Read more »
PM leaves door open to further sports funding | Sky News AustraliaScott Morrison has left the door open to funding more of the projects that missed out on the controversial sports grants programme following revelations the government used the fund to splash cash in marginal seats. \n\nThe government was under pressure on the issue over the last month after it was revealed then-sports minister Bridget McKenzie used the $100 million program to target marginal seats ahead of the 2019 election. \n\nUnder intense scrutiny from journalists on Wednesday, Mr Morrison defended the program and his government’s handling of the scheme but stopped short of defending the embattled minister. \n\nHe also rejected claims his government had used public funds for political gain, but when asked if he was against the practice on principle, Mr Morrison said “It is - of course. That is like do I believe the sun should rise tomorrow? Yes, I do and it will.”\n\n
Read more »
Emergency bushfire in Perth's south, residents told to evacuateA bushfire is threatening lives and homes in rural communities in Perth's south.
Read more »
'Bad news on bad news': Virus could land $2.3b hit to the economyThe coronavirus outbreak could hit key parts of the Australian economy just as it deals with fallout from the bushfires and drought.
Read more »