A new version of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF) has been released, which comes into effect from Monday 12 October 2020. The updates ensure that arrangements which set out the Australian Government’s response to emergencies and natural disasters are up to date in preparation for the 2020-2021 high-risk weather season.

Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on board practices and processes, the insights in this report have been drawn from interviews and roundtables with directors and company secretaries, as well as a survey of Australian Institute of Company Directors members.

These resources aim to help state and local government sectors review and strengthen integrity responses and improve capacity to prevent corrupt conduct during times of emergency and crisis.

News that the Morrison government paid A$190,000 last year for advice on how to empathise with the Australian people was met with ridicule.

This paper argues that rather than continue the debate about Australia’s position on its ANZUS obligations should the United States invoke the treaty in a Taiwan conflict, Australia should work with other regional powers to advocate for more robust risk avoidance and crisis management mechanisms.