Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Operations and coordination of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

11

Coast severe weather event, this included observing general improvements in the

system of local communication and coordination led by the Authority in the

immediate recovery period.

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2.15 However, stakeholders also noted that strategic improvements need to be made

to support the Authority's operations. In particular, the collection and use of data

requires further attention, in addition to the Authority's transition from response

to recovery and broader leadership role.

2.16 Matters relating to the Authority's specific communication and engagement with

affected communities, preparedness work, and funding are further discussed in

later chapters of this report.

Further work is needed to improve consistent data coordination and collection

2.17 Effective disaster recovery relies on accurate, timely, and accessible data. The

May 2025 East Coast severe weather event highlighted opportunities for the

Authority to improve its current approach to data collection and sharing to

enable more efficient and effective recovery outcomes.

2.18 During the inquiry, stakeholders emphasised the need for central coordination in

the collection and sharing of data on disaster damage and impacts, including the

need for uniform data collection methods and formats. Such changes would

improve coordination between agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

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2.19 For example, the Insurance Council of Australia noted that during the May 2025

severe weather event, data received from local councils and some agencies were

'delivered in varied formats and with inconsistent geospatial referencing'.

Inconsistencies such as these can result in tangible delays when supporting

affected communities.

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2.20 Stakeholders also identified that a more structured and collaborative approach to

data-sharing between government agencies, local councils and community

organisations would help to reduce duplication, and ensure that community

services are appropriately targeted and resourced.

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2.21 The Committee recognises that the collection and use of personal data should be

informed by strong data governance principles, including clear consent protocols,

to ensure information sharing respects confidentiality and complies with legal

and ethical standards. This should be balanced with the need for information

sharing protocols to be practical and flexible to address the needs of impacted

communities.

68 Submission 32, Mid North Coast Legal Centre, p 2; Submission 39, Central NSW Joint Organisation, p 4;

Submission 48, Insurance Council of Australia, p 3; Submission 49, p 12; James Prosser, Senior Project Manager, Port

Macquarie-Hastings Council, Transcript of evidence, 17 February 2026, p 5; Charlie Chubb, Head of Northern &

Western NSW, Uniting NSW.ACT, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 20.

69 Submission 17, NSW Small Business Commission, p 2; Submission 48, p 3.

70 Submission 48, p 3.

71 Submission 27, Australian Red Cross, p 8; NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), Answers to supplementary

questions, 9 December 2025, p 1.