Where a hazard is not identified, PM&C will work with NEMA and other relevant Australian Government agencies to identify an appropriate Australian Government Coordinating Agency, depending on where the impacts and consequences of the hazard primarily fall.

Identified hazards

Cyber Incidents

A cyber incident is a single or series of unwanted or unexpected event(s) that have the potential to impact the confidentiality, integrity or availability of a network or system or the information that it stores, processes or communicates. This may result in significant disruption to the functioning of government or provision of government services; critical infrastructure or the provision of essential services; or may require a coordinated national response. This may include unauthorised or malicious sharing of data, manipulation or destruction of critical data and software, disruptions to ICT networks or systems, and exploitation of networks to cause a physical effect. A response to a cyber incident may require coordination under the Framework as a result of the technical considerations of the event, such as those detailed under the CIMA, or following consideration of the broader consequences of the cyber incident.

Domestic biosecurity crises

An incident where a pest or disease poses immediate threat to part(s) of Australia's economy, environment, or community that requires a whole-of-government response. This may include animal diseases; plant pests and diseases; and pests impacting on the environment or social amenity.

Domestic energy supply crises

A domestic energy supply crisis that requires a whole-of-government response. This may include liquid fuel supply, natural gas supply or power supply.

Domestic natural hazard disasters

A domestic rapid onset event that requires a whole-of-government response. This may include bushfires, earthquakes, riverine floods, storms, tropical cyclones, storm surges, landslides, tsunamis, meteorite strikes or tornados.

Domestic public health crises

A domestic public health incident that requires a whole-of-government response. Examples may include an influenza pandemic or a serious infectious disease outbreak or a hazardous material incident with nationally significant human health consequences (excl. domestic terrorist incidents).

Domestic security-related incidents (excl. terrorist incidents)

A domestic security incident, other than terrorism, that requires a whole-of-government response. This may include widespread violent civil unrest and threats (to public places, members of the public or the Parliament).

Domestic terrorist incidents

A domestic terrorist incident (suspected or declared) that requires a whole-of- government response. A terrorist incident is an act, or threat to commit an act, that is done with the intention to coerce or influence the public or any government by intimidation to advance a political, religious or ideological cause, and the act causes:

• death, serious harm or endangers a person
• serious damage to property
• a serious risk to the health or safety of the public
• the serious interference with, disruption, or destruction, of critical infrastructure.

Incidents involving an offshore petroleum facility in Commonwealth waters

Incidents may include any non-security related event that occurs at, or has a direct link to, an offshore petroleum facility in Commonwealth waters (e.g. fire, oil spill) and requires a whole-of-government response.

International crises

An international incident that requires an Australian Government response. This may include natural hazard disasters, humanitarian crises, terrorist acts, major transport incidents, civil unrest, overseas health emergencies or outbreaks, kidnapping of Australians overseas and chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents which impact or may impact Australians or Australia's national interest.

Maritime terrorist incidents within the Australian Security Forces Authority Area

A maritime terrorist incident (suspected or declared) within the Australian Security Forces Authority Areas that requires a whole-of-government response, including piracy, robbery and violence at sea. The Security Forces Authority Area is synonymous with Australia's Search and Rescue Region. The Australian Government has direct responsibility for offshore maritime terrorism prevention, response and recovery, from the territorial sea baseline to the outer boundary of Australia's Security Forces Authority Area. Maritime terrorist incidents may include:

• attacks on fixed infrastructure
• attacks against vessels
• attacks on commercial interests or
• incidents mounted from, or through, the maritime environment.

Radiological/nuclear incidents (excl. domestic terrorist incidents)

A radiological or nuclear incident that requires a whole-of-government response. It may be caused by ionising radiation in emergency exposure situations. An emergency exposure situation arises as a result of an accident, a malicious act, or any other unexpected event, and requires prompt action in order to avoid or reduce adverse consequences.

Space weather events

Space weather events are global, and may have significant national impacts for Australia that require a whole-of-government response. Space weather may disrupt many of Australia's critical infrastructure assets, such as the electricity grid, Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems, internet connectivity and satellite and radio communication systems. Many industries and government sectors may be impacted if there are interruptions to communications and navigation, and a loss of power.

Transport incidents within Australia, the Australian Search and Rescue Region, or the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone

Transport incidents (maritime, aviation, road and rail), other than terrorism, that require a whole-of-government response. This may include crashes of, and search and rescue efforts for, commercial aircraft and vessels (within Australia or the Australian Search and Rescue Region), maritime environmental emergencies (including maritime casualties, oil and/or hazardous and noxious substance spills within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone) stemming from these incidents, and may also include major disruptions to road and rail infrastructure which impact on supply chains across multiple jurisdictions.

Novel or ambiguous hazard

A novel or ambiguous hazard is a hazard that has not been anticipated, and cannot be responded to using any existing Australian Government crisis plans.

Footnotes

20. Abbreviations are listed in Appendix C. Return to footnote 20 ↩