CCSC Urges Improved Crisis Management and Cultural Heritage Preservation at Australia's Disaster Resilience Committee
The devastating Northern Rivers floods of 2023 exposed significant flaws in the government's response to disasters and highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity.
During a recent select committee hearing for Australia’s Disaster Resilience, Arabella Douglas, representing Currie Country Social Change and the Bundjalung Native Title Owners, shed light on critical issues and proposed solutions to improve future disaster resilience efforts. This article explores the discussion and summarises the major points of the written hearing.
Aranella Douglas expressed the community’s growing frustration with the government's response to the floods, citing a lack of preparedness, ineffective coordination, and a failure to prioritise the well-being of affected communities. She stated, "We are in an environmental crisis, and global defense needs to respond. We have a government that's actually antagonistic to the environment, and we are the victims”, highlighting the deep-seated frustration and disappointment felt by the community and calling attention to the pressing need for the government to prioritise environmental protection and address the consequences of the inadequate response to the floods.
"We are in an environmental crisis, and global defence needs to respond. We have a government that's actually antagonistic to the environment, and we are the victims."
Douglas stressed the need for immediate action, urging the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to provide suitable temporary accommodation for the displaced Cabbage Tree community. She proposed utilising Lake Ainsworth as a temporary housing solution, which would alleviate pressure on surrounding towns and foster positive relationships.
The evident disparity in how both disaster recovery and response were cited was cited through the statement, “White people come from a history of calling their handouts 'subsidies' and 'grants,' and there's a culture of that,” Douglas said. To highlight the prevailing inequality and bias in the treatment and perception of support provided to different communities and the perceptions of those communities, Douglas continued on to say, “When a Blak person asks for money for their community, it's considered a handout. That's a distinctly different thing. There is a different thing about loyalty to land. Blak people will not abandon their land. White people will actually go from land and, if it gets too difficult, have the ability—intellectually, spiritually—to move because they are not as deeply connected [to the land].”
First Nations people, on the other hand, do not move when disaster strikes. And so reconstruction needs to both consider this and involve First Nations people at every stage. As a start, Douglas recommended the involvement of the Australian Defense Force through the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP). This collaboration would provide better housing, health services and education for the affected population while also creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
She further emphasised the profound connection Indigenous peoples have with the land, stating, "We are uniquely attached to [the land’s] existence,” underscoring the deep spiritual and cultural ties that Indigenous communities have with their ancestral lands. The community places intrinsic value on preserving and protecting their connection to the land, emphasising the imperative to prioritise and incorporate First Nations voices and perspectives in decision-making processes regarding land management and recovery efforts.
"We are uniquely attached to the existence. Think about all of the totemic systems that are disrupted because they are killed in the environment. Imagine if your totem is a frog that becomes extinct. Who are you? Who are you going forward if your environment is without boundary?"
Douglas urged the committee to consider the preservation of cultural and historical sites and the profound impact their destruction can have on Indigenous communities, arguing that the destruction or loss of these sites has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond mere physical damage. Douglas called for a trigger mechanism that would automatically initiate reassessment and preservation efforts for cultural and heritage items in areas affected by crises. She stressed the importance of considering the environmental impact and stated, "It should be part of the preparedness... anything that's a large-scale project should, after a catastrophe, have a pause and reassessment of environmental and cultural heritage items."
Drawing upon her personal experiences, she stated, "It is not just about, 'We are going to be affected and wiped out, and then there are different responses in the environment.' If my totem is destroyed, what is my existence in the world? It's that profound." To further this point, Douglas said, “If you were a Christian and I said, 'There are no more churches', how would that make you feel about your personality? If there was no more Christianity—it is that loss that happens in environmental destruction.”
Douglas called for contractual agreements between Defense and Aboriginal communities, binding them to fulfill their responsibilities in times of crisis and to establish clear obligations and responsibilities. These agreements would ensure that both parties are committed to supporting and assisting each other during emergencies. By formalising these arrangements, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being and resilience of Indigenous communities.
In addition to the government's role, community resilience and self-reliance were recognised as vital factors in disaster response. Douglas praised Indigenous communities' ability to take matters into their own hands and highlighted the quick response and initiative shown by the Cabbage Tree community. She emphasised the importance of recognising Indigenous knowledge and expertise in disaster management and encouraged the integration of community-driven initiatives into broader disaster resilience strategies.
The committee hearing shed light on critical issues surrounding the government's response to the Northern Rivers floods and the proactive efforts of Indigenous communities and media outlets like the Koori Mail. Arabella Douglas highlighted the need for improved coordination, the involvement of Defense in crisis management, the preservation of cultural sites, and recognition of the unique connection Indigenous peoples have with their land.
By incorporating these insights into future disaster resilience strategies, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective approach that respects and supports Indigenous communities in times of crisis. It is essential to prioritise Indigenous voices and expertise in developing policies and practices that build resilience and foster cultural preservation in the face of environmental challenges.
