Humanitarian and Development Consulting

was established to work with humanitarian organisations, governments, the private sector and communities to improve disaster response, risk reduction and resilience, and to contribute to the expansion of research, knowledge and innovation. 

Who we are.

We are an international consulting company, committed to finding equitable and sustainable solutions to humanitarian and development challenges, from local to global level.

We are Australian-based and women-led, with a growing network of experts and associates from around the world, who share our passion for creating meaningful change.

Mary Picard and Victoria Bannon have a unique combination of legal, research and operational experience and are among a small number of globally recognised experts in disaster law.

This evolving field encompasses international and domestic legislative, policy and institutional frameworks for

  • Disaster risk reduction and resilience

  • Disaster preparedness and response

  • Climate change adaptation


This work also includes a range of cross-cutting issues related to law, policy and research on human rights, non-discrimination, community empowerment, gender, social inclusion, quality and accountability, as well as issues relating to capacity development. 

Our Values.

Humanitarian and Development Consulting services are based on the belief that all programs and services for vulnerable people should:

  • Be provided without adverse discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, age, ability, social status and economic situation;

  • Empower people and their communities to be at the centre of program and service development;

  • Achieve long term, sustainable outcomes;

  • Respect and adhere to relevant international human right and humanitarian standards, laws and principles; and

  • Meet high standards of accountability, transparency with a commitment to best practice and continuous learning.

Meet the Team

The Humanitarian and Development Consulting team have 45+ years of combined experience.

Meet us below and click more into each of our pages to learn more about us.

  • Victoria Bannon

    Director & Senior Consultant
    BA, LLB (Hons), LLM International Law

    Victoria brings a rare combination of high-level expertise in international disaster response law (IDRL), and extensive operational experience in the field of disaster risk management and community development. As one of the founders of International Disaster Response Law (IDRL), she has advised governments on the implementation of disaster law, policy and institutional arrangements.

    Read Bio

  • Mary Picard PHD

    Director & Senior Consultant
    BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), DEA (Master’s equivalent), PhD International Law

    Mary is a leading expert on legal and policy frameworks for disaster risk management, including risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and urban resilience. She is expert in analysis of national laws and comparative law, as well as public international law, international humanitarian law, anti-discrimination, human rights and gender equality.

    Read Bio

  • Rosanna Drew

    Consultant
    BA, MES (Masters of the Environment & Sustainability)

    Rosanna offers strong research, writing and coordination skills, with experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, social and gender inclusion, and corporate sustainability. With a background in science and the NGO space, Rosanna provides holistic perspectives on sustainable development, whilst drawing on her work as a post-graduate facilitator.

    Read Bio