As fires rage, does Australia need a strategy to deal with national disasters?
The federal government's low-profile approach to the bushfires contrasts with the finance industry which expects more frequent, disastrous climatic events.
Even defence force vehicles were stuck in traffic as they headed to rescue efforts in Bairnsdale. Joe Armao
Scott Morrison had prepared for the worst. Months after replacing Malcolm Turnbull in August 2018, and facing a long summer, Australia’s new Prime Minister was warned his first fire season in charge had catastrophic potential, fuelled by record temperatures and entrenched drought conditions.
Mercifully, the worst didn’t arrive. Serious fires were avoided in many parts of the country, but a parched fuel load grew ahead of summer 2020.
James FernyhoughReporterJames Fernyhough writes about telecommunications, insurance and financial services. He's based in the AFR's Melbourne office. Connect with James on Twitter. Email James at james.fernyhough@afr.com.au
Tom McIlroyCanberra Bureau ChiefTom McIlroy is the Financial Review’s Canberra bureau chief based in the press gallery at Parliament House. He was previously the AFR’s political correspondent. Connect with Tom on Twitter. Email Tom at thomas.mcilroy@afr.com
