Emergency Response Plan for Communicable Disease Incidents of National Significance: National Arrangements (National CD Plan)

Abstract

“In Australia, state and territory governments have primary responsibility for the management of communicable disease emergencies. This includes prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. However, some emergencies may trigger the need for a nationally coordinated approach. Arrangements to facilitate this in the health sector are described in the Emergency Response Plan for Communicable Disease Incidents of National Significance (CD Plan).

While most communicable disease emergencies will be managed within the health sector, there will be some that have a broader impact on society. The scale of this impact could range from minor absenteeism which places stress on personnel resources and service provision, to major community disruption.”

“The aim of this plan is to establish agreed national coordination and communication arrangements for the management of communicable disease incidents of national significance (CDINS), consistent with the high-level crisis management arrangements outlined in the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF).”