Across Australia, all levels of government, emergency services and community partners are strengthening the way we plan for, respond to and recover from disasters, so more people can get the right support, at the right time.

Following the launch of the Disability Inclusive Emergency Management (DIEM) Toolkit, a series of forums were held across the country in 2025. The forums supported emergency planning officials, community organisations and disability service providers to implement the Toolkit and take practical steps towards better inclusion outcomes.

The University of Sydney Centre for Disability Research and Policy, who were engaged to undertake the DIEM project, have now released a national synthesis report about the forums. The report highlights what is already working well in disability inclusion in emergencies nationally, and what can be strengthened, to make emergency management more inclusive and accessible.

The report draws on 34 face-to-face and 3 online forums, with more than 1,200 participants, bringing together emergency services, all levels of government, disability organisations, community groups and people with lived experience. 

What we’re learning

The forums demonstrated examples of progress in improving disability inclusion in emergency planning. This looks different across communities, depending on local risks, geography and available resources.

Examples in the report include person-centred preparedness planning, accessibility checks for evacuation and relief centres, closer partnerships with disability organisations, and clearer, more accessible public information. The report also identifies practical next steps, such as strengthening arrangements for transport, temporary accommodation and continuity of power. 

Working together through coordination

A key message from the forums is that inclusive outcomes improve when planning and support are coordinated from the start.

Emergency management already brings together transport, health, welfare, local government and critical services. The forums show inclusion is strongest when disability sector expertise and lived experience are part of these existing coordination arrangements. 

How to get started

The National Synthesis Report is intended for government, emergency services, councils, and disability and community organisations. They are also for people with disability, families, supporters and advocates who want emergency systems to be more accessible, predictable and inclusive.

Improving inclusive practice can start now. The DIEM resources are designed for practical, scalable action, using existing structures and focusing on simple steps teams can take now.

• DIEM Toolkit
• E-learning modules  
• National Synthesis Report 

There are two new resources available with the National Synthesis Report that support practical next steps in building disability inclusion in emergency management:

• Promising Practice Cards
• DIEM Starter Pack  

By building on what already works, we can improve safety and outcomes for people with disability and make emergency management stronger for everyone.