Public health emergencies can be caused by events which impact on public health or events that can potentially overwhelm the health-system.

For example, a highly infectious disease spreading through the community, health impacts arising from emergencies (for example smoke from a major fire or waterborne diseases during a flood), and any mass casualty situations or weather-related events such as thunderstorm asthma.

Examples of significant public health emergencies include the Victoria’s thunderstorm asthma event of 21–22 November 2016, and the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Publish year Assurance activity Summary Organisation
Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic (External link) A report on the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdowns on the mental health and wellbeing of people aged 75 and over, it recommends vulnerable older Australians should be identified and prioritised in the National Pandemic Response Plan. Independent