Practice Note 1: Principles of best practice strategic crisis management arrangements for catastrophic disasters

Australia is constantly challenged by the threat of natural hazards.

Leaders are continually required to maintain public confidence in the context of uncertain crises. Even though the impact of natural hazards is generally well managed, there is always the inevitability that at some time, the impacts will exceed current capacity and thinking and result in a catastrophic outcome.

Catastrophic disasters overwhelm the current system, resources and governance, extending beyond regular emergency management capabilities. They significantly impact community structures, disrupt everyday functions and enhance the role of political arenas and media in shaping public perceptions (Department of Home Affairs, 2018; Quarantelli, 2006). Planning for these catastrophic disasters involves anticipating the inadequacy of existing plans and resources, recognising the interdependence of systems, compounding crises and preparing for cascading effects as society’s complexity and disaster risks increase.

It is essential that crisis management arrangements adopt evidence-based best practice, with evidence that is widely recognised and understood by practitioners and policy makers.

Catastrophic disasters require the adoption of evidence-based best practice crisis management arrangements to ensure the capacity and thinking needed to meet communities’ needs. This document sets out 10 best-practice principles for strategic crisis management for practitioners and policy makers.