Critical Infrastructure Planning & Compliance
Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Services
At Resilient Services, we bring our extensive expertise to work with organisations responsible for the infrastructure that keeps Australia running—ensuring power stays on, ports remain open, roads are passable, and essential goods like food and fuel remain available. Our team has a deep understanding of the complex and evolving legislative framework governing Australia’s critical infrastructure, and we are well-versed in the dual obligations under both Part 7A of the Emergency Management Act 2013 (Vic) and the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act 2018 (Cth).
All major and significant critical infrastructure in Victoria must be listed on the Victorian Critical Infrastructure Register.
Understanding the Legislative Landscape
Australia’s critical infrastructure is governed by a complex and evolving legislative framework, and in Victoria, many organisations are now subject to both state and federal requirements. It’s essential to understand where your organisation fits.
Victorian Emergency Management Act (Part 7A)
Under Part 7A, the Victorian Government identifies and regulates Vital Critical Infrastructure (VCI). The primary objective is to ensure continuity of supply—ensuring critical services, such as electricity, fuel, transportation, and food, remain operational during emergencies.
Part 7A of the Emergency Management Act 2013 (Vic) takes emergency preparedness a step further in Victoria, and Resilient Services is your partner in compliance and excellence. Our team ensures that your major critical infrastructure in Victoria is seamlessly included on the Victorian Critical Infrastructure Register, creating a centralised repository for essential information.
Organisations listed as VCI must complete a Resilience Improvement Cycle, which includes a mandatory Resilience Plan and Risk Management Plan, to demonstrate their ability to withstand and recover from disruptions.
Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act
In Australia, this legislation designates and safeguards infrastructure deemed essential to the state’s operations. Our experts at Resilient Services can guide you through the classification process and ensure your compliance with the government’s requirements, ensuring that your critical assets and data subject to SOCI are comprehensively protected and compliant.
The Commonwealth SOCI Act casts a wider net, recognising the growing importance of data, cybersecurity, and supply chain integrity. The Act has expanded its scope beyond traditional infrastructure to include:
- Data storage and processing
- Banking and financial services
- Universities
- Superannuation providers
- Health services and health funds
- Cloud and communications services
Organisations under the SOCI framework may be required to report cyber incidents, undertake risk management programs, and participate in enhanced regulatory oversight, depending on their designated sector and asset class.
Navigating Dual Obligations
Many Victorian organisations now fall under both Part 7A of the EM Act and the SOCI Act. This dual responsibility creates unique compliance challenges that must be addressed strategically and holistically.
Resilient Services provides comprehensive support to clients who fall under both Part 7A of the EM Act and the SOCI Act. We identify overlaps, clarify obligations, and develop a unified approach to critical infrastructure protection that aligns with both jurisdictions, ensuring all your compliance needs are met.
Understanding the distinctions between the SOCI Act and Part 7A of the Emergency Management Act is vital, and Resilient Services is here to assist you every step of the way. Our expertise can help you navigate the complex compliance landscape and enhance your emergency management and resilience planning.
Our Critical Infrastructure Services
We partner with state and federally regulated entities to assess, strengthen, and document their resilience.
Gap Analysis & Desktop Audits
We conduct comprehensive desktop audits and gap analyses to assess alignment with the following:
- SOCI Act mandatory requirements
- Part 7A of the Emergency Management Act (Vic)
- Industry-specific regulatory expectations
Our process highlights vulnerabilities and identifies where controls can be strengthened to ensure full legislative compliance and real-world resilience.
Resilience and Risk Planning
We help you develop and refine key documents, including:
- Resilience Plans (required under the EM Act)
- Emergency Risk Management Plans
- Risk Management Programs (under the EM Act and SOCI framework)
These plans are aligned to your organisation’s assets, sector requirements, and broader business continuity strategies.
Cyber and Data Resilience
With the SOCI Act’s increased focus on data and cyber resilience, our team can help you assess and mitigate vulnerabilities related to:
- Personal and sensitive data
- Operational technology (OT) and IT systems
- Supply chain risks and third-party access
- Cloud infrastructure and communications assets
We ensure you are prepared for incident reporting obligations and equipped to handle real-time cyber threats.
Why Work with Resilient Services?
- Cross-jurisdictional expertise: We understand both the Victorian and Commonwealth legislative requirements.
- End-to-end support: From compliance audits to plan development and incident response integration.
- Tailored solutions: No one-size-fits-all approach—our strategies are specific to your infrastructure, sector, and risk profile.
- Trusted by industry: We’ve worked with a wide range of critical infrastructure providers, including utilities, transport, data centres, and health providers.
Ready to Strengthen Your Critical Infrastructure?
If your organisation is listed as Vital Critical Infrastructure in Victoria, there’s a strong chance you’re also subject to the SOCI Act. Whether you’re at the start of your compliance journey or refining your existing strategies, Resilient Services can help you stay ahead of your obligations—and prepared for disruption.
Contact us today to book a consultation or to learn more about our critical infrastructure support services.
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What our clients are saying
“What stood out about Resilient was their practical approach. Meeting the team impressed me with their focus on practical solutions rather than theoretical consultant-driven approaches.”
Geelong Port.
General Manager for Health, Safety, Environment, & Quality
“Business continuity plan is comprehensive and flawless.”
Top 4 Australian
Accounting Firm 2021
