The International Day for Disaster Reduction last Monday was the focus for a forum by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) in Canberra.

More then 60 people attended the forum at the Australian National University, including researchers, academics, policy analysts and members of the public.

A panel of speakers examined the country’s contribution to risk reduction at home and across the region. The group comprised Red Cross National Manager Emergency Services Andrew Coghlan; disaster and sustainable development academic Helen James; environmental studies academic Stephen Dovers; and Samantha Chard, the Assistant Secretary for Emergency Management Policy at the Federal Attorney-General’s Department.

The Productivity Commission’s draft report on natural disaster funding – which emphasises mitigation over relief and recovery – provided the backdrop to the discussion. A video of the discussion has been posted on the CRC’s website.

The International Day for Disaster Reduction launched in 1989, with approval from the United Nations General Assembly. It promotes action and awareness on the issue.