This working paper outlines the content of a workshop on Developing a national surveillance approach for respiratory epidemics, which was held in Canberra on 3 May 2017. The expert advice received at the workshop from a large array of stakeholders involved in health protection is outlined by providing full summaries of every presentation on the day, along with issues for further consideration which were discussed on the day. This working paper is intended as a resource for policy makers, hospital administrators, clinicians, researchers and peak organisations.