A business group has called on the Federal Government to play a “core role” in natural disaster management and arrangements.

The Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience & Safer Communities says a more active approach would yield greater community benefit.

“Natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and bushfires do not stop at state borders,” it says in a submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into disaster funding arrangements.

“A nationally co-ordinated approach is therefore critical to natural disaster management.

“The Australian Government has a key role to play as a leader, policymaker, legislator and funder to address national disaster arrangements.”

The group recommends creating a central database of foundation information, to foster greater communication and sharing of vital information.

It also wants building standards enhanced beyond the traditional realms of protecting life.

Reviews of past natural disasters show regulations requiring new buildings in at-risk areas to withstand hazards such as cyclones have helped in recovery efforts.

“A review of building codes nationally, without the influence of accurate and co-ordinated hazard data, could potentially have unnecessary cost implications,” the group says.

“Again, this reinforces our position that the first priority must be a nationally co-ordinated data platform to inform all future investments, codes and standards.”

The roundtable calls for the formation of a “prioritisation framework” to identify optimal use of natural hazard data and research, with the focus on evidence-driven cost-benefit analyses.

The submission says this will address the main risk areas facing the community and the most effective methods of reducing dangers.

It backs the commission’s recommendation for the Government to raise its mitigation funding to states and territories from $40 million a year to $200 million.

The group comprises the CEOs of IAG, Munich Re, Australian Red Cross, Investa Property Group, Optus and Westpac.