PLEASE NOTE: The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP was the former Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. The following material was prepared during his term as Minister. A new Government was sworn in by the Governor-General on 3 December 2007, including the following Ministerial appointments:
- Senator the Hon Kim Carr - Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
- The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP - Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation.
Some material on this site will reference the former Minister.
Introduction and purpose of this guide
This guide provides Australian businesses and other organisations with a range of tools and information to help them prepare for a human influenza pandemic in Australia.
The guide has been developed to help Australian businesses consider what impact a human influenza pandemic might have on their business, and to help businesses take appropriate actions to prepare themselves as best they can. Although the Government can assist in providing access to information and planning tools, it is up to businesses themselves to prepare and ensure they are in the best position to manage the effects of a pandemic, and to recover as quickly as possible.
Government alone cannot control and manage the spread of a pandemic or maintain the essential services that businesses and the community in general will require.
Businesses will also play a vital role in helping to manage a pandemic in Australia.
Advanced preparations will be critical in controlling a pandemic and ensuring the provision of essential products and services can continue.