Australia’s National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (‘the National Plan’) is a multi-sectoral and cross jurisdictional strategy for preparedness, response and recovery from maritime casualty and marine pollution incidents. The National Plan has been in effect since 1973 and has proven to be an effective means of coordinating the resources of the Australian Government, states and territories and the maritime and oil industries, to minimise the impacts of maritime environmental emergencies on the Australian community and environment.

Two attributes contribute significantly to this enduring success in managing complex responses to major maritime environmental emergencies:

• Collaborative: a combination of historical practice, regulation and necessity has created a system that requires significant collaboration across the public and private sectors and across the spectrum of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The National Plan encompasses these cross-sectoral relationships through the establishment of a governance arrangement that encompasses all stakeholders, integrated planning, cross training and exercising and continuous consultation.

• Voluntary: through practical experience and application, Australia has developed a strong and enduring model for mutual aid and support, where all parties voluntarily come together to manage their collective risks. Over the past 40 years, government, industry and other sectors have debated, negotiated and agreed their various contributions to the National Plan risk framework and response system. 

This paper provides a brief overview of the National Plan and its historical development, places maritime environmental emergencies in the broader context of Australian emergency management, describes the national response arrangements on completion of the recent national review and considers future challenges.