Ralph Babet (Victoria, United Australia Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That, noting the issue of excess mortality in Australia has not been adequately investigated, the following matters be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 July 2024:

(a) Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing excess deaths in recent years, with particular reference to:

(i) all-cause provisional mortality data reported by the states and territories to the ABS, and

(ii) the difference between all-cause provisional mortality data for 2021, 2022 and 2023 and the preceding years of 2015 to 2020 (inclusive);

(b) any other identified factors contributing to excess mortality; and

(c) any other related matter.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. The ABS is the definitive authority of mortality statistics and data in Australia and provides regular publications, including the provisional mortality reports published monthly, every second month. Deaths Australia are dated annually and excess mortality reports published reports twice yearly. This data is published online and available to everyone. It is used by researchers, government departments and agencies like the AIHW and reported in reputable publications. In their analysis the ABS has compared the number of deaths which have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic with the number of deaths expected based on historical trends and adjusted for population changes. This includes deaths from all causes and not only those related to COVID-19. While death rates and causes of death are key indicators of the health status of a population, it's important to remember that every death that makes up the total statistic is a personal tragedy, and I acknowledge the tragic impact of these deaths on the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Babet, be agreed to.