Queensland Premier Peter Beattie today (20th October) announced the publication of the Queensland Government’s Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza and associated Business Continuity Planning Notes. He also announced an extra $11.7 million to equip state disaster management and health staff.

“With an increasing number of avian flu outbreaks around the world there has been rising community concern and growing media interest in the potential threat the ‘flu pandemic will pose to human health,” Mr Beattie said.

“We’re meeting the challenge head on with this detailed whole-of-government response and backing it up with additional funding to provide extra resources for those key staff who will need support on the frontline,” he said.

“Importantly, these documents complement very detailed planning already developed by our high-level inter-departmental Queensland taskforce and agencies and, together, these all form whole-of-government preparations on an unprecedented scale.

“There are plans and processes outlining the roles and responsibilities of key agencies and, importantly, what the community can do to prepare. This includes both government and non-government sectors, along with Queensland businesses, industry and individuals.”

This week Brisbane also hosted what is claimed to be the world’s largest pandemic influenza simulation exercise to test Australia’s response to the potential flu pandemic.

“We have the legislative powers in place to respond to such public health emergencies as we demonstrated this week with our national partners during Exercise Cumpston,” Mr Beattie said.

State Parliament passed the Public Health Act 2005 to enhance Queensland’s response to an influenza pandemic by clarifying and strengthening public health powers.

“All of these measures – this week’s exercise, the plans, new funding and legislation –make Queensland much better prepared to deal with a pandemic influenza,” said the Premier.

“I urge Queenslanders and businesses to familiarise themselves with information and put in place strategies to cope and continue business should a flu pandemic strike.”

The Action Plan and Business Continuity Planning Notes are available on the Queensland Government website.

•Date: 20th October 2006• Region: Australia •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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