Issue Management

Late last week some members of a group of Curtin staff and students on a trip in China were found to have contracted swine flu. Consequently they have remained in China, with those infected being treated in hospital. Not surprisingly, the media has been interested in the story so Curtin’s response is very important. It is not a crisis but the public relations section in corporate communications has been quick to cooperate with the media as well as offer what support they can to the group concerned. Curtin’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Jane den Hollandar, made comments to the media. However, the media has contacted us requesting contact details for the students which we are not permitted to provide them with. Curtin’s Corporate Risk Department liaises with students and their families, contacting them twice daily, while we in the Communications department handle the media. The issue has highlighted the importance of cooperating with the media so that media coverage of issues relating to Curtin is prompt and accurate. Acting in this way fosters good media relations and protects Curtin’s reputation.