Emergency Management Australia Podcast

This episode we examine the huge increase over recent years in the cost of natural disasters. We'll look at the current natural disaster funding arrangements and find out who's covering the cost and how. We'll also talk to the team working hard on policy alternatives that might build a more disaster resilient Australia and even save lives.

In our fifth episode the EMA Podcast talks to Queensland's first Inspector General of Emergency Management, Iain MacKenzie, about the assurance framework that will guide, focus and direct the work of all agencies across all tiers of Government. We also talk to Daniel Jaksa at Geoscience Australia about tsunamis and the role of the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre in public safety.

This month we take a look at recruitment and retention of volunteers in the Emergency Services and talk to some young volunteers about what brought them in and keeps them engaged. We also take a look at an innovative 3D computer simulation that has changed the way Victorian paramedics train for triage in mass casualty situations. Finally, if you're interested in crisis communications in the Emergency Management sector we preview the Emergency Media and Public Affairs Conference.

This month, we talk to experts about bushfire arson - who does it, how big is the problem, and what can we do about it? We go behind the scenes at the Crisis Coordination Centre, the Australian Government's dedicated 24/7, all hazards facility. For an international perspective, delegates at the Forum of Federations from India, Pakistan, the US and Canada share their experience in responding to disasters. If you're interested in professional development in the emergency management sector, listen in for information on courses offered by the Australian Emergency Management Institute.

This month we talk to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre and the pilot of a firefighting helicopter to discover how they coordinate with the firefighting effort on the ground. We'll also take a timely look at heatwaves and a new mapping tool developed by the Bureau of Meteorology that will help authorities to predict where they will occur and how long they'll last. Finally, we'll speak to the team behind the National Situational Awareness Tool - an electronic system that is driving the briefing products being produced by the Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre.

Welcome to our first episode! We'll be hearing from Roger Lye who travelled to the Philippines with an Australian Medical Assistance Team following Typhoon Haiyan. We'll also cover the launch of the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre and Register, Find, Reunite, a new service to reunite Australians following a disaster. We'll also hear from Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro on an exciting smartphone application that will speed up the provision of emergency assistance.