Public health messages and activation of heatwave plans by councils and community organisations that support vulnerable communities are two key actions taken to mitigate the risk that heatwaves present to public health.
Emergency Risks in Victoria – Report of the 2012–13 State Emergency Risk Assessment identified heatwaves as one of 15 emergency risks to have potentially significant consequences if realised. Being well prepared to respond to a heatwave requires agencies to have plans in place that are evidence-based and meet requirements, and sufficient staff capacity and capability to respond.
Governance is defined as the combination of processes and structures implemented by the governing body to inform, direct, manage, and monitor the activities of the agency towards the achievement of its objectives. Monitoring and reporting are key elements of good governance and provide opportunities for continuous improvement.
Heatwaves represent a significant risk to public health. In Victoria, the number of 'excess deaths' from the 2009 heatwave was much greater than the number of deaths arising from the Black Saturday bushfires the following week. Not only is the risk significant, but the likelihood and duration of heatwaves is expected to increase, while an ageing population with greater levels of chronic disease will make Victorians more vulnerable to the impact of these events.
Heatwaves pose a significant risk to public health. Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps, through to heat exhaustion, and finally to potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke.
 John DoyleAuditor-General |
Audit team Michele Lonsdale—Engagement Leader Melinda Gambrell—Team Leader Aina Anisimova—Analyst Jason Cullen—Analyst Engagement Quality Control Reviewer Ray Winn |
Dear Presiding Officers
Under the provisions of section 16AB of the Audit Act 1994, I transmit my report on the audit Heatwave Management: Reducing the Risk to Public Health.
Heatwaves pose a significant risk to public health. Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps, through to heat exhaustion, and finally to potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke. After the 2009 heatwave in Victoria, the Department of Health developed a heatwave framework to help reduce the impact on public health.
An effective system of performance measurement and reporting is critical if government is to achieve its policy goals in a way that is transparent and accountable.
In Victoria, the performance measurement and reporting system aims to:
VAGO undertakes performance audits into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public sector agencies and their operations to provide assurance to Parliament and drive public sector improvement. We aim to achieve this by identifying issues and making recommendations to agencies about how to address them. However, our recommendations cannot result in improvements unless they are accepted and enacted by public sector agencies.