Outgoing Labor MP and former attorney-general Robert McClelland has criticised emergency management procedures in Australia.

In a valedictory speech he told the House of Representatives the country’s national security infrastructure is world class, but he “cannot say that in respect of… emergency management”.

“The reality is that Australians are going to suffer far greater loss, injury and, unfortunately, loss of life from natural disasters – even greater than we would from a terrorist event – and we have not given enough attention to that area.”

Mr McClelland, who also served as emergency management minister, says there is too much focus on showing empathy for victims after catastrophes, and resources should be shifted “to prevent them suffering injury and loss in the first place”.

“I think that is something that requires a dedicated Council of Australian Governments meeting in itself,” he told Parliament.