The Inspector General for Emergency Management has called for better communication between services when it comes to responding to bushfires.
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Tony Pearce and his Queensland counterpart Alistair Dawson faced hours of questions at the National Natural Disaster Arrangements Royal Commission yesterday.
As part of his own review into the summer fires, Mr Pearce visited Corryong and Wangaratta in March to talk to those affected.
In his initial recommendations provided to the inquiry, he was critical of the lack of planning for cooperation between organisations.
"There was insufficient processes and forums for community services organisations to discuss and share insights and views," he said.
"Increased collaboration between community services organisations and the emergency manager sector would further strengthen current planning and response arrangements for high-risk individuals and communities."
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Mr Pearce told commissioners that although there are no formal arrangements for how he communicates with other states, but has "never had a problem ever" in contacting other agencies such as the cross-border commissioner.
"The borders are artificial in regards to emergencies," he said. "For some distance in there are effectively some communities that - as we see with the COVID issue at the moment - live in a wide, expansive area that traverses the border."
He said he was also looking at the health consequences of bushfire smoke as part of his investigation.