Media Releases and Communiques
Pandemic influenza preparedness and planning
Australian Health Ministers provided updates on jurisdictional preparations for responding to an influenza pandemic should it occur.
18 November 2005
Joint Communique
Australian Health Ministers, meeting in Adelaide today, provided updates on jurisdictional preparations for responding to an influenza pandemic should it occur.The Australian government, all Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand outlined their plans which include keeping pandemic influenza out, containing and controlling it in a small area should it occur in Australia, and extensive arrangements for testing and treatment should it become widespread.
Ministers agreed that the Australian Health Disaster Management Policy Committee continue to work with all jurisdictions to refine pandemic plans including the wider social, economic and emergency arrangements.
Commonwealth, States and Territories will continue to report back to the Australian Health Ministers Conference.
Ministers noted that continued work is being done to improve Australia’s level of preparedness, and our current state of preparedness is as advanced as that of any country.
Media Contact:
Richard O’Leary, Media Advisor for NT Minister for Health
Mobile: 0401 119 586
Phone No: 08 8901 4118
Fax No: 08 8901 4119
E-mail: richard.oleary@ntn.gov.au
