Leaders from across government, health, environment, biosecurity and research sectors gathered at Parliament House in Canberra in August to explore how Australia can strengthen pandemic prevention and preparedness – and a clear theme was uncovered.
The panel discussion was convened by Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) on behalf of the Friends of One Health network. Titled Pandemics, Preparedness, Prevention: Australia's Role in Global Leadership, it was hosted by Dr Chadden Hunter - wildlife biologist, filmmaker and storyteller, who has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough on some of the world's most acclaimed natural history documentaries.
Panel discussion featured Professor Zoe Wainer, Director-General of the Australian Centre for Disease Control, Dr Tiggy Grillo, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Health Australia, and Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager at Bush Heritage Australia.
WHA Chair Richard Russell told attendees that rethinking how Australia approaches emerging threats “is grounded in a simple but powerful reality. Preventing the next pandemic will need us to think and act differently.”
While discussions ranged across pandemic prevention, biodiversity, biosecurity and public health, a clear message emerged: Australia is not lacking plans, expertise or evidence. What is needed now is stronger implementation, integration and governance to bring existing efforts together under a practical, national One Health framework.
In collaborative discussion, speakers and participants identified the need for stronger coordination across sectors, improved information sharing, greater Indigenous leadership and mechanisms to translate existing policies, strategies and commitments into practical action.
The discussion reinforced that a One Health framework can provide the structure needed to connect these efforts and support a more coordinated approach to preventing and responding to emerging health threats. Rather than creating new plans, participants emphasised the importance of integrating the many plans, partnerships and commitments that already exist.
Aunty Dr Caroline Hughes AM opened the event with a Welcome to Country, summarising why this integration between plans, systems and approaches is essential.
“One Health recognises something our old people have understood for generations. You cannot separate the health of people from the health of animals, plants, water and country,” she said.
Professor Wainer highlighted that an integrated system would be built on trust and collaboration that needs to start now.
“You have to go slow to go fast,” she said.
“You have to go slow to build the relationships that matter in peacetime, so that during the crisis, you already know each other and you can go a lot faster.”
As the first of its kind hosted by WHA, the event marked an important milestone in a nationally coordinated One Health approach.
Following the event, attendees were invited to complete a survey. Feedback from respondents reinforced support for a coordinated One Health approach, with many noting that Australia already has the expertise and the priority should be implementation – with the suggestion of a national framework to make that action happen.
Participants also emphasised the importance of continued engagement with policymakers and greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge, wildlife health and environmental stewardship as essential components of a national One Health framework.
It was agreed that the challenge now is to translate this shared understanding into broader public and policy awareness and, ultimately, into coordinated action to help protect Australia’s future.
WHA will take this conversation forward and seek out more ways to engage industry, academics, sectors, government and policymakers to drive next steps for an integrated One Health approach.
Contact Rupert Woods, CEO, Wildlife Health Australia at admin@wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au if you're interested in discussing.