Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Chandler for the question. Rolling out the COVID vaccine across the country is one of the government's highest priorities. We encourage all Australians: when your turn comes, take the opportunity to line up and receive a vaccine that will protect you, protect your family and protect the broader community and the country.

Yesterday we saw 84-year-old Sydney aged-care resident Jane Malysiak become the first person in Australia to be vaccinated against the virus. The Prime Minister also received his COVID-19 shot, as did our Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan. Vaccinating the Prime Minister, our CMO and chief nurse is a demonstration to show all Australians our faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines we're providing.

This is a historic week for Australia and all Australians. Tens of thousands will begin to receive their vaccinations, starting with the most vulnerable first—part of the phased rollout strategy. We have prioritised the most vulnerable people in our society to receive the COVID-19 vaccine first. A team of healthcare professionals will deliver 30,000 vaccines to aged-care residents across 240 facilities in 190 communities across the country. In Tasmania, Senator Chandler, the vaccine rollout has begun today in aged-care homes and at the Royal Hobart Hospital. A further 50,000 vaccines nationally for border, quarantine and frontline health workers will be delivered through 16 hospital hubs, including the one in Hobart.

I would like to reinforce what the chief medical officer said yesterday. I trust that most Australians will take this vaccine once it becomes available. (Time expired)