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

12

2.22 The NSW Government submitted that work has been completed to improve

strategic oversight and governance. This included the establishment of a

Recovery Planning Data and Insights Taskforce, which was set-up in preparation

for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025. The Taskforce involved the Authority

working closely with the Department of Customer Service to leverage existing

data platforms which provided 'a whole-of-government coordination point for

gathering, accessing and analysing data to inform recovery operations and

program delivery'.

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2.23 Additionally, the Committee recognises that the Authority is currently leading a

range of system and data enhancement projects to support further integration

and alignment between NSW Government agencies. This work will also support

more efficient and timely reporting regarding DRFA delivery and Impact

Assessment.

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2.24 However, the NSW Government also acknowledged in its submission that:

...central coordination in collection and sharing of damage and impact data would

bring significant benefits for NSW in future disaster events. Standardisation of

software platforms and data formats would allow agencies to integrate systems

more easily, creating a clearer picture of recovery needs.

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2.25 The Committee recommends that the NSW Government, led by the NSW

Reconstruction Authority, should commence work to standardise software

platforms, data formats, and data collection processes and protocols. Improving

data collection and standardisation will lead to greater efficiency in how the

Authority coordinates with other agencies and organisations, which will likely

contribute to supporting better recovery outcomes for future disaster events.

There is a significant need for clear leadership during recovery efforts

2.26 The Committee acknowledges that the Authority has improved its visibility as

recovery leaders during its relatively short time as an agency. However, many

stakeholders emphasised throughout the inquiry that clear leadership during

recovery is essential for effective governance following a disaster event. The

operational response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

demonstrated that further opportunities exist for the Authority to provide clearer

and more consistent leadership during recovery.

2.27 It is important that the Authority's formal role in leading disaster recovery is

appropriately recognised across government agencies to enable effective

coordination during recovery. The NSW Government identified improvements in

the Authority's collaboration with government agencies, such as Homes NSW and

Services NSW.

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2.28 However, some stakeholders argued that the Authority’s ability to compel other

government agencies to act during the response to the catastrophic floods in the

72 Submission 50, p 5.

73 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, p 2.

74 Submission 50, p 7.

75 Submission 50, pp 7, 10; Homes NSW, Answers to supplementary questions, 7 April 2026, p 1.