The ABC has been undertaking “emergency broadcasting” since 1997. It has issued every cyclone, flood, bushfire and heatwave warning created anywhere in Australia since then, as well as a few warnings about equine flu, H1NI virus and a locust plague.

In that time it has been roundly praised for it’s support for Australian communities. But  the Queensland weather crisis of 2010- 2011 stretched The ABC staff, resources and budgets almost to breaking point. In response it reviewed every aspect of “emergency broadcasting,”  with assistance from AFAC and the Bureau of Meteorology. In addition Ian Mannix traveled to the US and Canada to discuss emergency information, warning centres, evacuations and media networks.

The reviews are now complete, and has resulted in the first “Emergency Broadcast Policy” by a media agency anywhere in the world. The policy has resulted in significant changes to the way The ABC receives and issues warnings, which it hopes will result in a better informed community, and better support for emergency agencies.