Public Health Act 2005

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Public health emergencies

The Minister for Health can declare a public health emergency when an event or series of events could result in serious adverse health effects for the public. Emergency officers can be appointed to assist in the management of the emergency.  They are given a range of emergency powers to help them to carry out this function.

The declaration of a public health emergency will last for a period of seven days but this period can be extended if required.  If the emergency situation results from an outbreak of a serious medical condition, like pandemic influenza, medical emergency officers have additional powers to take actions to prevent the likely spread of the disease.

Some additional information about public health emergencies is contained in this transcript by Noel Gillard, Director of the Emergency Management Unit.

Find out more about state emergency planning:

• The Emergency Management Unit has information about Queensland Health emergency preparedness and planning.
• Contact Communicable Diseases Branch with any additional enquiries.

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