PUBLIC health experts are urging political parties to commit to public health investments, including a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, reflected on the impact of COVID-19.
“The start of the pandemic was an unprecedented worldwide event that affected all of us. Although overall Australia did well, we can’t afford to forget the challenges we faced and lessons we learnt. Many fear we are less, not more prepared for a similar outbreak should it occur now.”
Labor leader Anthony Albanese pledged in 2022 to establish a permanent CDC, but while an interim CDC exists, the permanent body isn’t expected until January 1, 2026.
Professor Allen Cheng AC, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Monash University, stressed urgency. “It’s a matter of when, not if, the next health emergency will occur. It is vital that we move to a permanent and properly resourced CDC as soon as possible.”
Adjunct Professor Slevin warned resources have shifted away from essential public health services. “We are very concerned that governments are prioritising acute care over preventive health initiatives.”
