I am writing to provide information to support your planning for the high-risk weather season and to underscore the importance of preparation to assist your response when emergency events occur.

This is vital to ensure the continuity of care and services to older people receiving aged care.

A heightened risk of bushfires and potentially flooding is expected throughout this spring and summer. Without adequate preparation, such events are likely to adversely impact standards of care and the wellbeing of those receiving care. This is particularly the case when these events are accompanied by:

• a requirement for short notice evacuation of services or parts of services
• staff shortages where staff are unable to travel to work due to impassable
• roads and/or their own personal circumstances
• critical infrastructure issues including power outages and communication
• system failures
• restricted access to essential supplies.

Read more:

Letter from the Commissioner – Preparing for the high-risk weather season (.pdf)