National leadership: How a change in thinking about vulnerability and systemic disaster risk is shaping nation-wide reforms and national programs of work in disaster risk reduction in Australia

This contributing paper takes a look at how Australia is actively learning to navigate governance and capability challenges to create environments in which all sectors are enabled to reduce complex systemic risks. This paper describes the journey that began in 2016 with a study that set out to align, inform and shape national policy objectives and capability development through the research and construct of a new national narrative. The new narrative sought to help better explain Australia’s vulnerability to events described as severe to catastrophic. This paper explains how reframing disaster provides a new way for leaders to think and talk about systemic climate and disaster risk.

This paper describes how a change in thinking about vulnerability and systemic disaster risk is shaping nation-wide reforms and national programs of work in disaster risk reduction in Australia. It has introduced new knowledge and practical advice on how to better understand complex, systemic risks. It offers a practical example of a nation learning to navigate the governance challenges and implement strategies to address complex, systemic risks. Furthermore, It is focused on national leadership and described the styles and competencies of leadership that are useful for convening in contested and complex environments.