Request By Hunter New England Area Health Service For Assistance Of The Industrial Relations Commission Of New South Wales Re Communication And Consultation Of Influenza Pandemic Preparations [2009] NSWIRComm 188

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales

CITATION: Request By Hunter New England Area Health Service For Assistance Of The Industrial Relations Commission Of New South Wales Re Communication And Consultation Of Influenza Pandemic Preparations [2009] NSWIRComm 188

PARTIES: Hunter New England Area Health Service

FILE NUMBER(S): IRC 657 of 2009

CORAM: Harrison DP

CATCHWORDS: Request for assistance of Commission - H1N1 Human Swine Influenza - risk of Pandemic - Regional response - implementation of National and State Pandemic Plans.

LEGISLATION CITED: Industrial Relations Act 1996

HEARING DATES: 5 May 2009

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 10 November 2009

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES: K O'Malley Hunter New England Area Health Service

JUDGMENT:

- 2 - INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

CORAM: HARRISON DP

10 November 2009

Matter No IRC 657 of 2009

Request By Hunter New England Area Health Service For Assistance Of The Industrial Relations Commission Of New South Wales Re Communication And Consultation Of Influenza Pandemic Preparations

STATEMENT

[2009] NSWIRComm 188

1 On 4 May 2009 the Hunter New England Area Health Service (HNEAHS) sought the assistance of the Commission in preparation for implementation of an influenza pandemic response. 2 At the time there was a heightened level of concern in respect to the possibility of a pandemic outbreak of H1N1 Human Swine Influenza. 3 Conference proceedings were convened on 5 May 2009 attended by officers of the HNEAHS responsible for pandemic preparations; Hunter Business Chamber; Australian Industry Group; Unions NSW; Newcastle Trades Hall Council; the Department of Premier and Cabinet; NSW Police; NSW Nurses' Association; and Transport Workers' Union of New South Wales. 4 The challenge to the parties was the establishment of appropriate lines of communication for the dissemination of information and requests for action in line with National and State Pandemic Plans, and an agreement between the NSW Government and Unions NSW in respect to certain workplace arrangements should a pandemic be declared. 5 It was considered important that a swift and informed response be available in the event that the pandemic threat escalated, while at the same time not contributing to the potential for public alarm. 6 Proceedings were by way of private conference which established the necessary undertakings and communication processes which have been applied throughout the region as necessary and appropriate. 7 Correspondence is now received from the HNEAHS which states inter alia: You will recall that the conference chaired by His Honour of representative and functional bodies on 5 May 2009 dealt with the proposed working arrangements in an Influenza Pandemic. All parties present gave their commitment to the plan tabled and your assistance in this matter has been invaluable.