State Government departments and agencies

Page contents: Planning levels

In Victoria, executive government, government departments and agencies are generally well prepared for emergencies that could impact on normal functioning and service delivery. Amendments to regular business continuity planning and reviews have been necessary, as the influenza pandemic scenario is unlike other hazards in many respects.

Government departments and agencies could have their staffing dramatically reduced for a period of weeks or even months. These absences may coincide with a surge in demand for the services of departments and agencies involved in the pandemic response.

Planning levels

All departments and agencies are asked to have two levels of planning in place:

1. Supporting the maintenance of society during a pandemic by:

• ensuring appropriate plans and processes are in place to enable the continuity of their services that would be essential in the event of a pandemic; and
• assisting and supporting local government, communities and businesses in addition to government essential service providers within their portfolios with pandemic planning.

2. Supporting the control of the spread of the influenza virus by:

• ensuring appropriate strategies are in place to inform staff and associated stakeholders of actions to be taken in the event of a pandemic; and
• creatively using existing networks to further communicate public health messages.

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