Overview

The Australian Government commissioned the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding (also known as the Colvin Review) to improve disaster funding arrangements.

The review was led by Andrew Colvin AO APM. He was supported by a team from Deloitte.

The review examined how the Australian Government spends money on disasters so that we:

• reduce risks
• are ready for disasters
• better respond when they happen
• help people recover
• make communities stronger

It also examined state, territory and local government roles and responsibilities.

Final Report

On 25 October, the Australian Government released the final report of the Colvin Review (PDF 31.17MB), and appendices (PDF 6.06MB).

An accessible version of the report (PDF 2.29MB) and appendices (PDF 8.77MB) is also available.

The report is based on research, data and extensive stakeholder engagement, including over 190 public submissions. The public submissions are available to view here.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Colvin Review. 

Next Steps

The Australian Government will engage broadly and consider the recommendations from the Colvin Review before providing a Government response.

Updates will be posted on the NEMA website.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Public Feedback to the Review 

NEMA welcomes public feedback to the Colvin Review. If you would like to provide comments on the Review please submit them using the below form.

Independent Reviews Public Response Form

The Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding (Colvin Review) was commissioned to improve disaster management arrangements. 

The review was in response to the increasing size, scale, intensity, cost and complexity of natural disasters.

Stakeholder engagement with states, territories and other key partners, individuals and organisations will help inform how the Government responds to the recommendations in the Review.