Australia's emergency management system is struggling to adapt to the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, as highlighted by two recent comprehensive reviews.

With climate change expected to increase the occurrence of natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and bushfires, these events are likely to become annual occurrences.

An independent review by Deloitte predicts that the financial burden of natural disasters in Australia could soar from $11.8 billion annually to over $40 billion by 2050, excluding the impacts of climate change.

While the findings present a daunting outlook, they also create an opportunity for reforms that aim to better protect communities.

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister has announced that the federal government will engage with states, territories, local governments, and non-profits to discuss the recommendations.

Both reviews advocate for clearer definitions of the Commonwealth's role in disaster response, given the complex interplay between federal, state, and local governments.

Recommendations from the reviews include enhancing resources for local governments and communities to improve disaster response, as well as streamlining the recovery funding process.

Australia's disaster response framework has already evolved significantly since the inadequacies exposed during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20, leading to the creation of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Opposition emergency management spokeswoman Perrin Davey acknowledged the reviews but warned that the reform process is only just beginning.

The review led by Robert Glasser stresses that current governance arrangements are outdated and must be revised to meet the new reality of more frequent disasters.

In light of these challenges, the reviews call for immediate action to ensure that Australia's emergency management system can effectively respond to the increasing threats posed by climate change.

These reviews underscore the urgent need for extensive reforms to address the escalating threats posed by climate change.