The Australian Government is providing funding to bolster the national aerial firefighting fleet and increase national surge capabilities over the next 3 years.

States and territories have the primary responsibility to maintain crisis capabilities at the jurisdictional level. The Australian Government works together with states and territories through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and the Commissioners and Chief Officers Strategic Committee to coordinate the national aerial firefighting capability and shape its future.

The 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommended the development of an Australian-based and registered national aerial firefighting capability. This capability has supported states and territories to remain ready to respond to a broad range of crises and reduces pressure on the Australian Defence Force.