Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza

4.1 Support decision making across government

Input from the health sector will be critical in assisting the many different sectors that need to be involved with the response to an influenza pandemic. Health sector advice will also be critical in assisting the whole of government decision making and ensuring that the most effective control methods can be used at the right time, and in the right places.

The decision to implement control measures that have a major impact on the economy or society will be made at a whole of government level. Such measures may include issues such as the repatriation of Australians from overseas, support for action overseas to avert a pandemic, border measures and school and childcare closures. In these situations health will contribute advice on the most effective strategies from a health perspective and most effective timing for implementation.

The health sector will also contribute best practice advice to other sectors on how they might protect people at potential risk of exposure to pandemic influenza in the workplace. Health will provide tools to guide other sectors in assessing occupation related infection risks and will provide advice on the most appropriate ways in which any infection risks could be managed.

The health sector will also provide advice on how best to assist workers with any psychological issues that may occur in relation to the pandemic, and the stresses it may place on workers, their families and their communities. Health will work with the community sector in this area.

Phase snapshot: Health advice to support decision making across government

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This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008