National health sector emergency planning in Australia is set out in the National Health Emergency Response Arrangements 2009 (NatHealth Arrangements). These arrangements establish four key plans, describing different types of response, of which the Health CBRN Plan is one.

The Health CBRN Plan describes the agreed framework and mechanisms for the effective national coordination, response and recovery arrangements for a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Incident of National Significance.

The arrangements in this plan deal with the deliberate use of CBRN materials by criminals or terrorists in order to cause harm to people. As it is most likely that health would only be one component of a response to this type of incident, this plan also outlines how health sector activities will fit into the broader government response. It clarifies governance and which agency will take the lead. It also promotes better communication and decision making between multiple agencies and a more integrated and consistent health response.

• Health CBRN Plan (PDF 1151 KB)
• Health CBRN Plan (Word 324 KB)