Petition updateDisaster Relief Aus, Stand down, CEO, David Smith, establish a safe grievance process.NEMA and Office of the Hon Kristy McBain MP
Mike RubiconAustralia
Feb 1, 2026
  1. Please ensure that all comments relating to this petition remain respectful, factual, and—most importantly—polite.

    It is essential that every contribution accurately reflects the sincere and considered intentions of the complainant/redress group, which now comprises over 120 individuals.

    This petition is grounded in good faith and a shared commitment to ethical conduct, procedural fairness, and the well-being of all involved. Comments that align with these principles will best support the integrity and credibility of the process.

  2. The DRA Redress and Complainants Group has been formally advised that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) considers the matters raised to be serious and is managing them in accordance with its legal obligations, including those under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The PGPA Act provides NEMA with authority to investigate allegations relating to the potential misappropriation of Commonwealth funding. In this context, NEMA has engaged Deloitte Australia to undertake an independent investigation into the allegations raised. In the interim, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, has assured affected staff and volunteers that their concerns are being treated seriously and will be subject to an independent and impartial investigation.
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