National Resilience and Preparedness Risk and Prioritisation Program

Approach and Methodology

Synergy’s team of researchers and data modelers worked to collate available information using a combination of open source information and restricted data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Our modelling team established a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to rank and evaluate decisions. This approach effectively combined qualitative analysis of risk-based decision criteria with quantitative drivers produced through data. The criteria helped derive ranking to enable the model’s prioritisation of controls.

Key Criteria Covered

• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Open-source research and information synthesis
• Identification of opportunities and vulnerabilities
• Comparative and gap analyses
• Data modelling and visualisation
• Stakeholder Engagement

Outcomes and Value Delivered

Synergy’s multidisciplinary team embedded within the National Civil Preparedness Branch accomplished a range of significant milestones including:

• The identification of national complex and system risks in concurrent emergencies or crises in the National Civil Preparedness Risk Profile.
• A prioritisation model for government controls (investments, programs, policies) to address the largest portion of national aggregate risk through an automated data model.
• National risks were supported with quantitative data and evidence to inform  whole-of-government briefings and decision-making.
• Uplifting the Australian Public Service team capability to engage with complex and systemic risks to analyse distinctions between cascading, compounding and systemic riks. This was also achieved through whole-of-government working groups at the EL2 level that leverage available SME expertise.
• Developing an assurance approach for national resilience as an enduring function within PM&C’s National Civil Preparedness Branch.
• An enduring quantitative model for the prioritization of government controls to drive investments and decision making.