Australian businesses have become very adept at managing crises. Over the last decade, terrorism, the SARS outbreak, and more recently, Cyclone Larry has demonstrated the effects that these types of crises can have on businesses.
These events have taught us that while it is impossible to predict the future, it is certainly possible to be prepared, and to have appropriate plans in place to minimise the impact and to expedite recovery.
Now scientists and health experts are warning us about a new threat - a human influenza pandemic.
Planning for a pandemic presents new challenges for Australian businesses, because a pandemic will not be like any disaster we have experienced in recent times.
A pandemic will arise rapidly, spread quickly and likely come in waves, each of which may last for months. Should this occur, many Australians would become very ill, and regrettably, some would die.
With these factors in mind, businesses will need to reassess their existing business strategies to include contingency plans to cope with such an event, or develop such strategies and plans for the first time.
In recognising this, the Australian Government has developed this kit to assist small businesses in their own pandemic planning. The kit and other tools such as the Handbook: Business Continuity Management, available from Standards Australia, would also assist small businesses undertake more general, but valuable business continuity planning.
We know that the actions of governments and businesses in preparation for a pandemic, and during a pandemic will have a major impact on Australia’s ability to cope, as well as the ability of the economy to recover quickly.
It is up to businesses themselves to prepare and ensure they are in the best position to manage the effects of a pandemic should one eventuate. I would encourage all small businesses to be prepared in Australia, particularly those in vulnerable sectors like tourism and those delivering key services, to develop their own pandemic plan.
I know you will find this kit a useful planning tool.
Fran Bailey
Minister for Small Business and Tourism
June 2006
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