A range of hazards and events impact Australia every year, ranging in scale, difficulty and impact. The Australian Government responds to the impacts of these events in a coordinated way. The Australian Government National Plans and the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF) are the backbone of these responses.

State and territory emergency response roles

In Australia, state and territory governments are responsible for protecting life, property, and the environment in their jurisdictions. They have plans in place to respond to, and recover from, hazards.

Australian government emergency response roles

The Australian Government doesn't seek to duplicate the efforts of states and territories. However, the Australian Government has capabilities that can help during major crises. The Australian Government aims to manage national resources fairly. This helps keep all Australians safe.

National Plans

We are responsible for a range of national plans under the AGCMF. Each plan explains how to handle and organise the response to a specific crisis. 

The Australian Government disaster response plan (COMDISPLAN)

An all-hazards plan (PDF 800KB) for the provision of Australian Government non-financial assistance. This is in the event of a crisis within Australia or its offshore territories. It is the default national plan for crises caused by a domestic natural hazard.

The Australian Government overseas assistance plan (AUSASSISTPLAN)

This plan (PDF 820KB) outlines support the Australian Government provides to other countries. 

The Australian Government plan for the reception of Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals evacuated from overseas (AUSRECEPLAN)

This plan (PDF 752KB) is for the support of international operations requiring the evacuation of:

• Australian citizens
• permanent residents,
• their immediate family members and,
• approved foreign nationals as a result of an international crisis. 

State and territory governments help receive evacuees at official reception centres.

The Australian Government response plan for overseas mass casualty incidents (OSMASSCASPLAN)

This plan (PDF 842KB) is used after an evacuation led by the Australian Government from a mass casualty event overseas. It's for the repatriation of injured, infected or deceased:

• Australian citizens
• permanent residents,
• their immediate family members and,
• approved foreign nationals to an initial repatriation point within Australia.

The Australian Government space re-entry debris plan (AUSSPREDPLAN)

Space debris can harm the people and environment. It may also lead to radiological or nuclear issues.

This plan (PDF 719KB) explains how to manage the risk of space debris in Australia.

Administration

We manage and oversee these national plans. We also act as the Secretariat to the Australian Government Planning Group. 

You can contact us to provide suggestions to improve or amend our national plans.

Emergency resources

We support important emergency management resources across Australia.

Coordination and Planning Officers

Our Coordination and Planning Officers partner with states and territories to:

• supplement disaster resources, resilience and capability
• coordinate community support
• surge disaster support nationally if needed.

Find your local Coordination and Planning Officer.

COVID-19 Interstate Deployment Protocol

We've updated this protocol to:

• help emergency workers move between states during COVID-19
• allow essential workers to travel during risk weather.

Crisis Appreciation and Strategic Planning Guidebook

Disasters are getting more complex and frequent. We made this guidebook (PDF 6595KB) to:

• plan for complex situations.
• use an easy method to understand issues
• combine responses from government, non-profits and businesses.

Thai Cave Symposium

The Thai Cave rescue showed amazing bravery. We held a meeting (PDF 6.8MB) with over 100 people from different sectors to discuss:

• how the rescue unfolded
• how Australia can prepare for similar situations.

Australian Medical Assistance Teams

We support these health teams. They:

• work across many disciplines
• respond to disaster zones.

Emergency Alert

We support the Emergency Alert system. Governments use it to send:

• community warnings
• emergency messages to mobile phones and landlines.

Emergency Management LINK (EM-LINK)

Government and other sectors use this online catalogue. It gives:

• an overview of emergency services
• updated information for registered users.

National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC)

The NAFC aims to:

• Provides a cooperative national arrangement for aerial firefighting resources for combating bushfires across Australia.
• Supports collaborative arrangements between the states and territories to protect communities and save lives and property.
• Plays a key role in developing national protocols and systems for aerial firefighting.

National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework

This framework (PDF 3MB) aims to:

• lower disaster risk by rethinking how we live and invest
• strengthen essential services.

To learn more, business and emergency leaders are encouraged to review the Business Guidance Flyer (2MB PDF).

Triple Zero (000)

We support the Triple Zero emergency line.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

USAR teams are trained to find and rescue people trapped in collapsed buildings. Made up of firefighters and specialist responders, they are accredited to international standards and ready to assist during disasters in Australia and overseas.

Australian Disaster Preparedness Framework

This framework (PDF 1082KB):

• combines local work with international best practice to build skills
• identifies, develops and improves important capabilities for the nation.