Australia has historically been vulnerable to natural hazards, in particular to tropical cyclones, bushfire and droughts. As a result of climate change, such disasters are likely to become larger, more frequent, more complex and occur in areas that had not previously been affected.  Furthermore, our society is becoming ever more complex and our organisational systems, including the public and private sectors and civil society, are becoming more interdependent and thus more vulnerable to disruption. If not properly managed, disruptive events can escalate into an emergency, crisis, or even a disaster.