About the National Incident Centre
In the event of an emerging threat to human health or health system, the Chief Medical Officer activates the NIC.
Emergencies involving NIC activation include:
- disease outbreaks and pandemics
- chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attacks
- bushfire, earthquakes, floods and natural disasters
- emergencies requiring the deployment of Australian medical personnel.
Once activated, the NIC coordinates national response and recovery operations between:
- Australian Government health authorities and operations centres
- state and territory government health authorities
- the international health community.
The NIC:
- hosts emergency meetings of the Australian Health Protection Committee and other expert health committees
- provides advice to committees and government
- gathers information and develops resources to support decision-making
- keeps the community informed
- carries out health aspects of Australian Government disaster plans
- coordinates medical response teams
- monitors and supports laboratory testing for communicable diseases
- liaises with each government’s emergency management sector
- provides updates, situation reports and ministerial briefings
- conducts risk assessments and evaluations of national capacity and capability
- works with other agencies on border health issues.
Impact
Australians affected by health emergencies need clear information, fast and efficient responses, and immediate assistance.
By coordinating efforts across all governments and other agencies, the NIC:
- ensures Australia responds to health emergencies in a consistent, coordinated way
- minimises duplication of effort, to ensure an efficient response.
Role of the CDC
CDC staff step into NIC roles once activated to coordinate Australia’s response.
We use our national health resources and consult with all government agencies in each crisis situation.
The NIC provides support to affected areas by:
- publishing information on our website
- providing information to help states and territories respond to the situation
- providing data for contact tracing
- providing data for public health follow up.
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