In 2014, two reviews into public information were completed:

1 - The National Review of Warnings and Information, and 

2 - The National Review of the telephone warnings system Emergency Alert.

The first review considered how warnings and information are provided to communities across multiple hazards and different jurisdictions. It included: an international literature review on public information and warnings during emergencies; analysis of key themes and identification of areas warranting further research; a review of good practice across jurisdictions, identifying themes, findings; and recommendations for future practice improvement.

Themes explored spanned: Policy and Process; Channels and Systems; Construction of Warnings; Community Response; Workforce Capability; and Continuous Improvement and Innovation.

The second review looked specifically at Emergency Alert (the telephony-based warning system) and included consultation with operational users and the community.

In all, well over 100 subject matter experts and practitioners and 35 organisations contributed to the reviews.

The presentation will cover the key outcomes from both reviews, with a focus on what the national approach is going forward, how agencies and jurisdictions can make improvements in the warnings and information space, and opportunities for future innovations.