Foreword

In modern times, increased world travel has provided many opportunities for diseases such as HIV, influenza and SARS to spread quickly from country to country.

A major outbreak of a new infectious disease can lead to epidemics or pandemics that place intense demands on health systems.

This audit examines whether the NSW public health system is ready to respond to a public health emergency from a major infectious disease outbreak. It focuses on the critical role of NSW Health.

The report builds on our audit work over the last few years in the NSW public health sector. I believe it will inform planning for major infectious disease outbreaks and add to transparency in an area of increased public concern.

Peter Achterstraat

Auditor-General

November 2006