Health organisations say the federal government's COVID-19 inquiry should be the catalyst of establishing a permanent centre for disease control.
But the government maintains a phased roll-out is the way to go while they await expert findings.
The COVID-19 inquiry probing the national response to the pandemic is set to wrap up on Monday, with a report expected to be handed over to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in late-October.
It is expected to examine issues such as the effectiveness of national cabinet, quarantine measures, vaccination roll-outs and the role of the logistics and supply sector.
But its terms of reference controversially excluded decisions made by states and territories, including the enforcement of lockdowns and mask mandates.
Former NSW Health secretary Robyn Kruk has led the crisis response inquiry, which was set up in September 2023, alongside economist Angela Jackson and public health expert Catherine Bennett.
They were tasked with making recommendations to improve future pandemic response measures.
Leading health organisations say it's time for the Albanese government to stop dragging its feet on an election promise to establish a permanent national government body to tackle future pandemics and health challenges.
Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases president Joseph Doyle said that while the pandemic might be over, significant health threats still exist.
“Current health challenges, including avian influenza, Mpox, syphilis, rising whooping cough cases, and the introduction of new immunisations such as for RSV, demand a robust, independent national response," Professor Doyle said.
"A well-resourced, science-driven expert body is essential to address these issues effectively.”
A spokesperson for federal health minister Mark Butler said the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, launched in January, was the first step in the phased implementation of the government's election commitment.
"A phased approach will allow for the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform the design of the Australian CDC," they said.
"These lessons are currently being examined by the independent inquiry into Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic ... in the meantime, the interim CDC will continue to operate until establishment of the future standalone CDC."
While the report was initially due at the end of September, its size and scope meant an extension was granted to provide the report by October 25.
