The Albanese Government has today released its response to the Independent Review of the Australian Climate Service (ACS), helping ensure Australians are equipped with the information they need to be disaster and climate ready.
Established by the Morrison Government after the 'Black Summer' of 2019-20, the ACS brings together the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Geoscience Australia to provide reliable and accessible climate information.
The ACS Review emphasised the urgent and rapidly growing demand for trustworthy, accessible, and authoritative climate information.
The Government has agreed, agreed in principle, or noted, all recommendations of the review.
These changes will ensure the ACS is better able to fulfil its important role of supporting communities in responding to natural hazards and climate risk and include:
• making sure it is focused on delivering for the public
• understanding and using the wealth of data held across portfolios, including through the development of the National Climate Risk Assessment, to inform and support adaptation responses
• increasing the ACS's ability to call on expert knowledge across public and private sectors.
To ensure readiness ahead of the higher-risk weather season, the Government has already addressed a key recommendation of the review by transferring responsibility for emergency management support functions from the ACS to the National Emergency Management Agency.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson MP said the response was part of the Albanese Government's commitment to supporting communities to respond to extreme weather events and adapt to the serious impacts of a changing climate:
"Governments, businesses and communities need accurate and accessible information to prepare for climate-related natural disasters and risks. The Albanese Government is committed to strengthening the service the ACS provides so it meets the needs of Australians.
"The evolution of the ACS will continue as we deliver climate adaptation and disaster resilience into the future. This trajectory will be considered following finalisation of the National Climate Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Plan next year."
The Assistant Minister will issue a new Statement of Expectations to the ACS in early 2025.
Background
In October 2023, the Australian Government announced the appointment of an independent panel to review the performance of the ACS.
The ACS plays a key role in keeping Australia informed by bringing together the information and expertise of Australian experts in climate science.
The government's full response to the review is available on the DCCEEW website: Independent Review of the Australian Climate Service - DCCEEW
