Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

While primary responsibility for responding to emergency events lies with state and local governments, the federal government does work very closely with state and territory health and emergency services management agencies to support service providers during emergency events like bushfires. Specifically, the Department of Social Services, if required, will consult local and state providers to identify suitable alternative places for residents in other facilities outside the area of threat and will also monitor the temporary care arrangements made for residents during and after a bushfire. The safety of older Australians is of paramount importance at these times. It is a legislative requirement for approved providers to have emergency risk management plans and protocols in place to protect their residents during emergencies such as bushfires, and the Aged Care Quality Agency has a monitoring role.