The changing risk environment: ideas for a new Australian policy framework for handling risks
Risk in the modern world is changing. The greater interconnectedness of modern life and its processes means that risks are now more complex than before.
This report presents some key features in risk assessment that should underpin any new Australian risk assessment framework. It then analyses five case studies:
- the 2002–03 drought in south-east Australia
- the ACT–NSW bushfires of 2003
- asbestos-related mesothelioma
- the white powder scares of 2001 and subsequent years
- the Bali bombings of 2002 and 2005.
Each is considered under the standard risk assessment steps of analysis, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, followed by an analysis of lessons learned from the case study.
The report concludes that overall Australia has performed quite well in responding to problems that have arisen in disaster situations.
New policies and practices have been introduced in many different areas, though not all problems have yet been addressed effectively.
Some areas in which additional research is needed are indicated.