The Hon. Kristy McBain, Minister for Emergency Management, Media Release, 4 June 2026
Key government and private sector organisations have come together to test how they respond to crisis scenarios, such as natural disasters, health and biosecurity incidents, supply chain shortages and disruptions to critical infrastructure.
Over the next two days more than 250 people from across emergency services, government agencies, community groups and the private sector will participate in a hypothetical all-hazards crisis scenario.
Led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a key focus of this year’s exercise is testing how effectively agencies collaborate across borders, systems and sectors, including how quickly priorities are aligned, how situational awareness is shared, and how decisions are made under simulated conditions of uncertainty.
Australia’s operating environment continues to grow more complex, with disasters increasingly overlapping across the full spectrum of preparedness, response and recovery, placing sustained pressure on resources.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“National exercises play a critical role in preparedness by testing coordination, decision-making and prioritisation under pressure, these conditions can’t always be replicated through routine operations.
“With higher risk weather seasons becoming longer and more intense we are seeing increases in the number of events and impacted Local Government Areas.
“While we have improved our response capabilities, disasters are never the same and we need to keep implementing the lessons identified through these events.
“Exercise Nexus has brought together participants from across governments, industry and sectors, reflecting the diversity of perspectives required to support communities effectively.
“The annual national exercise is a strong show of commitment from the Australian Government to building resilience through innovation and collaboration so that Australians are better prepared.”
Quotes attributable to NEMA Interim Coordinator-General Patrick Hetherington:
“This national exercise will identify system strengths, as well as weaknesses, across agencies and sectors before they are tested during real emergencies.
“The experiences, training and relationships that are developed here ultimately lead to even better responses when Australia needs them most.
“Exercise Nexus will provide a safe, controlled environment for participants to test assumptions, practise leadership and explore innovative approaches.
“I want to thank all participants for their contributions over the coming days, as we as a nation look to harness a diverse range of knowledge and experiences that will make Australia more ready for complex disaster management.”
