I have asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a research study on the economic and social cost of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Australia, and to report within six months. The terms of reference for the study are attached.
The Council of Australian Governments agreed at its meeting on 8 June 2001 that there was a need for national whole-of-government frameworks for the prevention, preparedness for, and management of a major emergency disease outbreak, such as Foot and Mouth Disease. A rigorous assessment of the full economic and social impact of such an outbreak will provide important information which will assist in preparing the national frameworks.
Canberra
21 December 2001