Preparedness refers to the activities that build the capabilities and capacity needed to efficiently manage crises and effectively transition from response to sustained recovery. Australian Government agencies should ensure they build and maintain a sufficient level of crisis preparedness.

Near-term preparedness refers to a period within the preparedness phase of the continuum that requires senior officials and agencies to rapidly prepare to respond to forecast or potential impacts and consequences of an imminent crisis. This period could be marked by a sudden shift in the crisis threat environment generating potential for significant and acute consequences to Australia or Australian interests. An increased level of coordination across government is realised when preparedness and response activity is driven by the best-practice principle of ‘speed to action, speed to decision’.