diff --git a/src/Automation/Automation/ChangeLog.md b/src/Automation/Automation/ChangeLog.md
index 22df4efbbabd..6233e9a930f3 100644
--- a/src/Automation/Automation/ChangeLog.md
+++ b/src/Automation/Automation/ChangeLog.md
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
         - Additional information about change #1
 -->
 ## Upcoming Release
+* Fixed Bug: Start-AzAutomationRunbook throws object reference error when the automation account is not available in the subscription 
 * Upgraded nuget package to signed package.
 
 ## Version 1.10.0
diff --git a/src/Automation/Automation/Common/AutomationPSClient.cs b/src/Automation/Automation/Common/AutomationPSClient.cs
index aa7fe240244c..2cd02bf72fd1 100644
--- a/src/Automation/Automation/Common/AutomationPSClient.cs
+++ b/src/Automation/Automation/Common/AutomationPSClient.cs
@@ -2158,7 +2158,7 @@ private IDictionary<string, string> ProcessRunbookParameters(string resourceGrou
                     i++;
                 }
             }
-            else
+            else if(runbook != null)
             {
                 runbookParameters = runbook.Parameters.Cast<DictionaryEntry>().ToDictionary(k => k.Key.ToString(), k => (RunbookParameter)k.Value);