The Australian government has been urged to prioritize vulnerable populations in future pandemic planning, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, older individuals, children, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with disabilities. A year-long inquiry report commissioned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined nine recommendations for pandemic response, with immediate and medium-term actions. One key recommendation is the establishment of a national Centre for Disease Control (CDC), with the government investing $251 million to create an independent and authoritative CDC by January 2026. Many in the public health community have welcomed this move, emphasizing the need for transparency and independence in the CDC’s functions.
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Covid-19: Australian inquiry calls for establishment of a national centre for disease control and action to tackle inequities
