National Emergency Declaration Act 2020. Country/Territory Australia Document type Legislation Date 2021 (2022) Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to provide for the declaration of national emergencies, and for related purposes. Subject Livestock, Environment gen., Cultivated plants, Sea, Wild species & ecosystems, General Keyword Risk assessment/management Public health Procedural matters Early warning system Hazards Protection of environment Animal health Plant protection Marine area Maritime zone Geographical area Asia and the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Indian Ocean, Oceania, South Pacific Abstract The object of this Act is to recognise and enhance the role of the Commonwealth in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies that cause, or are likely to cause, nationally significant harm. This object is achieved by providing for the making of national emergency declarations, which will allow the Commonwealth to mobilise resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from such emergencies. Nationally significant harm means harm that has a significant national impact because of its scale or consequences and is any of the following: harm to the life or health (including mental health) of an individual or group of individuals; harm to the life or health of animals or plants; damage to property, including infrastructure; harm to the environment; disruption to an essential service. Full text English Website www.legislation.gov.au