Among the many lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the imperative of greater preparedness to deal with future viral pandemics and outbreaks of other diseases affecting large parts of the world.

The recent Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strategy “Partnerships for Recovery – Australia’s COVID-19 Development Response” proposes a focus on health security, stability and economic recovery in the Indo-Pacific region. Here in Australia, we have an opportunity to draw on the leadership shown by federal and state leaders through the national cabinet to minimise the risk of future pandemics through integrated research and development across health, agriculture and the environment.