Australia faces increasing threats from natural disasters, pandemics and geopolitical tensions – including the increasing likelihood of conflict and war – necessitating robust preparedness mechanisms. But Australia lacks a comprehensive national preparedness framework that’s fit for purpose against the broad range of threats that the nation is likely to face soon and in the foreseeable future. 

This report recommends a road map of immediate, near-term and longer-term initiatives that the Australian Government should embrace as it builds the capabilities and capacities needed to fully prepare the nation. It is presented in two parts, the first focuses on building an effective national preparedness system, while the second part focuses on the capabilities and capacities needed for national preparedness.

The road maps contain recommendations for Australian policymakers, industry, civil society, critical infrastructure owners and operators, the Defence organisation and the defence industry. By implementing these initiatives across all sectors, Australia can build and maintain a robust national preparedness and resilience framework capable of meeting all threats, up to and including war, thereby safeguarding its security, prosperity and way of life.

The Republic of Finland provides an exemplar of what a nation can do to build and maintain national resilience and national preparedness against all hazards, including the risk of conflict and war.