Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF)

Hierarchy of documents

A hierarchy of documents underpins the Australian Government’s crisis management arrangements. Documents subordinate to the Framework must align with the Framework in describing their specific arrangements.

A pyramid diagram horizontally sliced into 5 levels to demonstrate hierarchy. The tip of the pyramid is labelled 'Framework', while the following are labelled 'Handbook', 'National Plans', 'Sub-Sector Operational Plans' and 'SOPs and Templates'.

Figure 1. The hierarchy of documents
  • The Framework is the Australian Government’s capstone policy framing Australia’s national crisis management arrangements. It is maintained by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
  • The Handbook complements the Framework and provides principles-based crisis management guidance for senior officials. It is maintained by PM&C.
  • National plans for hazards identified in this Framework articulate the hazard-specific coordination arrangements, their linkages to Australian Government coordination arrangements, relevant legislation and application of the principles of this Framework. Cross-sectoral, all-hazards plans and arrangements complement these by outlining coordination across sectors. These plans are maintained by the listed Australian Government Coordinating Agencies, as outlined in Appendix A and Appendix B.
  • Sub-sector operational plans, where required, articulate operational requirements, responsibilities and governance for specific types of incidents within a sector. They are maintained by the relevant portfolio agencies and aligned to relevant national plans.
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and templates support consistent responses across Australian Government agencies. They may also support agencies to identify, consider, and plan for the potential consequences of incidents or hazards relevant to their functions, and are maintained by the relevant portfolio agencies.

A list of national plans for identified hazards in this Framework can be found in Appendix A, while cross-sectoral, all-hazards plans and arrangements are outlined in Appendix B. Sub-sector operational plans are referenced within relevant national plans.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) maintains guidance to support Australian Government agencies in developing, reviewing and maintaining their plans.

A room full of TVs and screens, showing maps of Australia. Alerts and incident statistics surround the maps.

The National Situation Room