The Commonwealth Risk Committee (the CRC) met on the 9 April 2026 via Microsoft Teams to discuss the following matters:
Strategic security risk and APS preparedness
Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of National Security College, ANU
The Commonwealth Risk Committee (CRC) heard an external briefing on the National Security College on the 2026 report No worries? Australian attitudes to national security, risk and resilience. Members noted increasing concern about complex and interconnected risks and the importance of preparedness across the APS.
The CRC discussed the value of a considered and proportionate approach to the communication of these risks and the relevance of whole of government preparedness and resilience in the current operating environment.
Shared risk discussion
Following a tasking from the Chief Operating Officers (COO) Committee, the CRC considered the shared operational risks to the APS arising from the situation in the Middle East. Members noted the need for a coordinated and consistent approach to the management of these shared risks using a dedicated framework. Key issues raised were the importance of a clear, common understanding of shared risks and appropriate governance arrangements to support preparedness, while avoiding duplication with existing mechanisms.
Members agreed to provide feedback on the draft shared risk framework and to nominate additional subject matter experts to support completion of the shared risk register, ahead of reporting back to the COO Committee.
Chief Risk Officer Network update
The CRC noted an update on recent activities and the forward work plan of the Commonwealth Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Network, aligned to CRC priorities. Members discussed the evolving role of the CRO Network in supporting strategic and operational risk management across the APS.
Next meeting
Thursday 11 June 2026
Lead agency contact
CRC Secretariat
Department to Finance
Risk and Insurance Branch
1800 651 540 (Option 4)
