We are proud to share our 2024–25 Annual Report. A look back at a year of challenges, teamwork, and progress toward a stronger, more resilient Australia. 

A year of challenges and community strength

This year, Australia faced some of its toughest disasters. Communities across the country dealt with tropical cyclones, record-breaking rainfall, bushfires, heatwaves and severe storms.

These events tested us all, but they also showed the power of preparation, coordination and community spirit. Together with our partners, we worked to keep Australians safe and help communities recover faster and stronger.

Getting prepared and staying ready

Being ready for emergencies is key to protecting lives, properties and jobs. Over the past year we:

• updated the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework to strengthen national coordination.
• expanded the National Emergency Management Stockpile to make sure essential supplies are available when needed most.
• boosted aerial firefighting capacity to better respond to bushfires.
• brought people together through the Higher Risk Weather Season Summit and Exercise Convergence, helping agencies across Australia prepare for future crises.

These steps help make sure our systems, people and resources are ready to act when disasters happen.

Investing in resilience and recovery

Resilient communities are the foundation of a safe Australia. This year, we continued to support projects and programs that help communities prepare for and recover from disasters, including:

• the Disaster Ready Fund and Disaster Risk Reduction Package, which invest in smarter, stronger infrastructure.
• recovery support for North Queensland and the Northern Rivers.
• new tools and learning resources like the Natural Hazard Awareness Modules, National Resilience Action Library, and Disability Inclusive Emergency Management Toolkit, helping people understand risks and take action.

Working together, every step of the way

Emergency management is a team effort. We worked closely with all levels of government, industry, and community organisations to make sure support reached those who needed it most.

A major highlight this year was launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan, a milestone in our journey to strengthen partnerships with First Nations communities through genuine engagement, inclusion, and respect.

We also continued to work alongside First Nations leaders to deliver culturally appropriate disaster planning and recovery as part of the 2025 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.

Adapting to a changing world

Climate change is reshaping Australia’s disaster risks, bringing more frequent and intense events. We’re evolving too.

This year, we invested in data and information systems, innovation, and partnerships to help communities better anticipate and manage these challenges.

We also supported national reviews of disaster funding and governance, helping to shape a more coordinated and future-focused approach to managing emergencies.

Looking ahead: a clear path forward

Our work is guided by the Second National Action Plan, which puts into practice Australia’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and National Strategy for Disaster Resilience.

This plan focuses on three big goals:

• Stronger coordination: working together across governments and communities.
• Reducing disaster risk: not just responding, but building resilience.
• Keeping Australians safe, connected and prosperous.

We’ll continue building our emergency management capabilities and strengthening partnerships at home and overseas to keep Australians safer, wherever they are.