The establishment of the roles of Lead Minister, Australian Government Coordinating Agency and Lead Coordinating Senior Official under the Framework does not displace the existing executive responsibilities of ministers and senior officials (see Roles and responsibilities). During a crisis, ministers and senior officials retain their statutory powers, with agencies and officials continuing to report to their respective ministers. This applies across all tiers of crisis coordination.

The 4-tier model of crisis coordination describes an overarching approach to whole of Australian Government coordination. It does not supersede sector-specific responsibilities, authority or the operational descriptors used to classify the level of crisis response (for example, as set out in national plans).