Activation of the ODESC system
The following triggers are used to consider whether ODESC coordination (activation) is needed for an emerging risk or crisis response:
- Has unusual features of scale, nature, intensity or consequence
- Conveys significant challenges for sovereignty or nationwide law and order
- Suggests multiple or inter-related problems – creating national or systemic risk
- Involves a high degree of uncertainty or complexity
- Is beyond the ability of one lead agency to manage
- Concurrency of events
- Is an emerging issue that might meet the above criteria in the future and would benefit from proactive management.
As these situations arise, agencies are expected to consult with the Chair ODESC (Chief Executive DPMC) or Chair Watch Group (Deputy Chief Executive, National Security and Resilience Group, DPMC), at the earliest opportunity to determine whether there is a need to initiate coordination through activation of the ODESC system. Activation occurs in consultation with the lead agency (if there is one).
Practically, ODESC system coordination is accomplished through a set of administrative arrangements using three tiers of meetings (ODESC, Watch Groups and Inter-Agency Working Groups) that focus on national interest at the strategic level:
ODESC Meetings are a bespoke group of chief executives who meet to provide strategic direction on matters of strategic crisis. There is no standing membership for ODESC meetings, instead agencies are involved relevant to the situation at the time. ODESC is chaired by the Chief Executive of DPMC, or their delegated DPMC representative. ODESC members operate as a collective to:
- apply their collective judgement and experience to assess the high-level strategic implications of the issue and agreeing on response options
- agree to the prioritisation of resources when required
- provides strategic advice on priorities and the mitigation of strategic risks beyond the lead agency’s control
- support Ministerial decision-making by providing advice on strategic crisis matters related to relevant portfolios.
Watch Groups sit below ODESC and are comprised of senior officials who can commit resources and agree to actions on behalf of their agency. Watch Groups are usually chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive, National Security and Resilience Group, DPMC, or their delegated DPMC representative. Watch Groups:
- are a tool to enable situational clarity
- ensure high-level coordination between agencies occurs in quickly-developing and/or complex situations
- identifies strategic risks and tests whether appropriate mitigations are in place
- ensure that systems are in place to enable effective management of complex issues, including communications requirements
- provide coordinated advice to the Chair of the ODESC via the Watch Group Chair, including whether any escalation is required.
Inter-Agency Working Groups are comprised of senior officials from relevant agencies, chaired by the Director, Strategic Crisis Management Unit, DPMC, or their delegated DPMC representative. An Inter-Agency Working Groups may convene prior to activation of the ODESC system, and is often used as a tool to determine whether activation is required. They are used to:
- develop initial situational awareness for emerging risks
- maintain consistent situational awareness for longer duration ODESC system activations
- consider whether appropriate activities are underway to achieve risk mitigation at the lowest level possible
- escalate to Watch Group if more senior decision-making is required.
Activation of the ODESC system does not subvert the role of the lead agency in its response to a hazard- or threat-based event. Rather, the activation is intended to support the lead agency, including the provision of support to coordinate risk management for intersecting risks outside of the lead agency’s mandate in a coordinated and strategic way. Decisions taken within the ODESC system at any level do not override the statutory responsibilities of agencies in their operational lead capacity.