ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Australian cultural context and the impetus for policy change in emergency management. It also discusses projects and change for people with disabilities and vulnerable people or people with access and functional needs, as defined by Australian emergency management policy. Australia signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Optional Protocol, and had an Australian National Strategy for Disaster Resilience, which stated that vulnerable individuals have equitable access to appropriate information, training and opportunities. Australia's worst natural disasters gave the opportunity for networking and systemic advocacy, which led to changes in national, state and local emergency management policy and practice and stakeholder engagement. The state of Victoria also had the Victorian Charter for Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 which contained an equity and rights-based approach and asserted that the needs of people with disabilities have to be considered before, during, and after emergencies.
