Developing best practice approaches to manage man-made and natural disasters is the key function of the Humanitarian, Recovery and Disaster Management Program. From complex emergencies in Afghanistan to the earthquakes in Sumatra, the Program enhances the whole of government approach through a number of linked approaches.
The Program develops a series of lessons learned and targeted research related to civil-military-police engagement in humanitarian assistance, recovery and disaster management. Some research themes include private sector engagement in protracted crises environments; cooperating with organic military apparatus in disaster response; multi-national peacekeeping operations in fragile states; and aid delivery modalities.
It contributes to training and education aimed at preparing Australian government agencies engaged in disaster management and crisis response and recovery. This includes collaborating with like-minded organisations such as Defence’s Australian Command and Staff College and AusAID’s Australian Civilian Corps. Opportunities for collaboration transcend Australia’s borders with strong links with overseas private, government and United Nation’s agencies involved in humanitarian assistance training activities.
Developing doctrine or guidelines is another way in which the Program supports government to best meet its challenges. Recent initiatives include supporting the development of regional guidelines for the use of defence assets in disaster response in South East Asia.
Given the trend for more integrated approaches in disaster and conflict management, the Program actively cultivates stakeholder relations. This is primarily with Australian Government institutions such as AusAID, Defence and the Attorney-General’s Department, and also overseas government partners in the region like Indonesia and further afield such as the UK. Other values partners include academic institutions, non-government organisations and some private entities involved in the humanitarian sector.
Through this multi-pillar approach, the Program supports the Australian government to promote an effective civil-military approach in disaster and conflict management overseas.