Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Siewert. I do understand that the question relates to vulnerability. The government is focused on identifying, targeting and treating those most vulnerable to severe complications from swine flu. Swine flu remains mild in the vast majority of cases, but those with existing conditions—and those are people who have respiratory conditions or morbid obesity and pregnant women—are more vulnerable to the severe effects of the disease. Specifically in relation to Indigenous communities, governments—that is, both state and territory governments and the Commonwealth—are working to ensure that people vulnerable to severe complications are protected. Of course, as I indicated, antivirals and personal protective equipment have been deployed in these regions to address those concerns. The Indigenous health sector has been included in all aspects of national and jurisdictional planning— (Time expired)