Prepare, stay and defend or leave early: Evidence for the Australian approach

This chapter provides an outline and overview of current research into the Australian 'prepare, stay and defend or leave early' policy. Although historical and structural evidence have been reported elsewhere, this chapter brings these issues together with additional verification from an analysis of a bushfire fatality database and findings from recent research into implementation. The methodologies employed for this research include documentary analysis and extensive literature reviews, statistical analysis of bushfire fatalities, and numerous interviews, focus groups and quantitative surveys with members of the public and fire agencies before and after significant bushfire events. This investigation demonstrates that the 'prepare, stay and defend or leave early' policy is very well-grounded in the available evidence. However, further research, outreach and community partnerships are needed to reinforce and clarify that leaving early or staying are not interchangeable options along a continuum which includes 'waiting to see' how the situation develops. In addition, clearly identifiable vulnerable groups need to be targeted with appropriate advice and, potentially, policy adaptations.