National Incident Centre

About the National Incident Centre

The NIC is our emergency response centre. We coordinate the national response to health emergencies by organising recovery operations between: 

• the Australian Government, and state and territory government health authorities 
• other Commonwealth operation centres 
• the international health community. 

The NIC is also responsible for undertaking the duties and responsibilities of Australia’s National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point, as designated by the International Health Regulations (2005).

The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in Darwin, is funded by the Australian Government to respond to national and international health emergencies.  

NCCTRC’s 2 core programs are: 

• NCCTRC is based at the Royal Darwin Hospital 
• Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), deploys health emergency specialist staff, and a fully equipped field hospital in Australia or overseas. 

Learn more about the National Trauma Centre. 

Why it is important

The NIC ensures a consistent, coordinated response to health emergencies in Australia. This makes best use of our national health resources in crisis situations and minimises duplication of effort across government agencies.

When the NIC is activated

The NIC may be activated by our senior officials when a significant event or emerging threat has been identified. 

Examples of emergencies that may lead to the activation of the NIC include: 

• outbreaks of communicable disease, such as a pandemic 
• chemical, biological or radiological incidents, whether accidental or criminal 
• natural disasters causing mass casualties 
• incidents requiring the deployment of Australian medical personnel. 

How it works

The NIC may undertake the following activities:

• host emergency meetings of the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) and the National Health Emergency Management Sub-committee (NHEMS) and other expert health committees
• provide technical advice to committees and government
• gather information to help inform decision making
• coordinate distribution of the National Medical Stockpile
• keep the community informed with health-related news updates
• carry out health aspects of Australian Government disaster plans
• coordinate emergency medical assistance teams
• monitor and support laboratory capacity and capability to test for emerging communicable diseases
• liaise with emergency management sectors in other government agencies across Australia
• provide outcomes, situation reports and ministerial briefings
• conduct risk assessments and evaluations of national capacity and capability
• collaborate with other agencies on border health issues
• anticipate next steps and develop information resources to assist with planning and decision making.

Where the NIC is located

The NIC is located in Canberra. Other strategic locations may also be used as needed.

Who is involved

The NIC may draw on staff from:

• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Australian Centre for Disease Control 
• The National Emergency Management Agency 
• Department of Home Affairs
• Department of Defence and Australian Defence Force
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• state and territory health authorities.

Previous activations

The NIC has responded to many incidents, including:

• Middle East Regional Conflict, 2026 (ongoing as at 4 May 2026) 
• Tropical Cyclone Alfred, 2025 
• Mpox (formally known as Monkeypox), 2024 
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), 2024 
• Japanese Encephalitis Virus, 2022 
• Mpox (formally known as Monkeypox), 2022 
• NSW and QLD Floods, 2022 
• Global COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2023 
• White Island volcanic eruption in New Zealand, 2019 
• National bushfire crisis, 2019 
• Measles outbreak in Samoa, 2019 
• Queensland and Victorian floods, 2011 
• Tropical Cyclone Yasi, 2011 
• Christchurch earthquake, 2011 
• Pakistan floods, 2010 
• Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel (SIEV) sinking Christmas Island, 2010 
• Victorian bushfires, 2009 
• Pandemic (H1N1) influenza or swine flu 2009 
• Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel (SIEV) explosion Ashmore Reef, 2009 
• Pacific tsunami, 2009 
• Yogyakarta air crash, 2007 
• Java earthquake, 2006 
• Bali bombings, 2005 
• Indian Ocean tsunami, 2004 
• SARS outbreak, 2003. 

Learn more

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