ABSTRACT
This chapter builds on insights from the case studies and the academic literature in order to enhance our understanding of crisis management. It provides further insights by considering high level enablers and constraints from the disaster management field which impact on the case studies. The symbiotic relationship between the cases and disaster management principles provides the basis for a concluding reflection on whether idealised crisis management can ever be achieved. The chapter provides insights on how crisis management principles impact on the cases and the broader implications for disaster management in Australia. It reviews the link between whole of government coordination and crisis management by examining the internal relationships which existed within two state governments. Finally, although commitments to whole of government working were reality, the contexts of the events and their implementation ultimately meant that Victoria is remembered as a 'failed' response whilst Queensland remains a case study of 'success.'
