Attorney-General Robert McClelland opened the new $14 million Crisis Co-ordination Centre (CCC) in Canberra today.

The facility monitors risks to Australia at all times.

During a “steady” or “watchful” state of readiness, around 20 officers from Emergency Management Australia report to the Federal Government on all potential risks and undertake contingency planning, but the facility has the capacity to house up to 100 officials during emergencies.

Mr McClelland says the Government’s capacity to respond to large-scale events is vastly improved with the opening of the new CCC as a purpose-built secure facility. It incorporates high-speed and secure communications for officers from all government agencies.

“While state and territory authorities are the first responders during times of disasters, the Federal Government has a critical role in co-ordinating support from other states, the Australian Defence Force, Commonwealth agencies and overseas,” he said.