The Commonwealth Risk Committee (the CRC) met on the 17 November 2025 via Microsoft Teams to discuss the following matters:
Information Resilience: Shifting to a more systemic view of the information environment
The Behavioural Economics team of the Australian Government (BETA) in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet shared their initial findings and research completed on building and maintaining Australia’s societal resilience to mis and disinformation in a technologically enabled future. Emerging technologies including generative artificial intelligence, big data mining and immersive neurotechnology enable large-scale, highly targeted manipulation, posing threats to elections, health, and economic stability.
Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment
The Australian Climate Service (ACS) spoke to the Committee about the National Climate Risk Assessment (the NCRA) that was delivered in September 2025. The ACS noted that climate changes will exacerbate existing risks and reveal new risks including cascading health and economic impacts. Committee members agreed to disseminate the findings of the of the National Climate Risk Assessment within their entity and establish connections where there is a relevant link to the work of the ACS.
Update on the Implementation of the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy
The Climate Action and Property Data branch from the Department of Finance provided an update on the implementation of the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy including preliminary findings in advance of the 2024-25 Net Zero in Government Operations Annual Progress Report. The Committee will escalate to COO Committee for consideration.
Revised Operation of the Commonwealth Risk Committee
Committee endorsed more frequent meeting cadence and implementation of standing agenda item on key new and emerging risks for inclusion in the regular update to the COO Committee and implementing an additional Committee communication channel.
The Committee also considered developing a high-level Risk Register managed by the committee that would support COO Committee and Secretaries Board.
Next Meeting
Scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2026 1:30 pm.
