Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Senate. I indicate at the outset that the government, having granted leave and agreed to the consideration of this motion, also will not oppose the passage of this motion. We acknowledge that, whilst ordinarily we would deny leave for consideration of motions that should be brought through the normal consideration of formal business, in this instance we acknowledge the importance of the subject matter. Because of the importance of the vaccine rollout, although we don't agree with the assertions that have been made by many during the consideration of this motion, we were happy to facilitate the time in the Senate for its debate and consideration.

Senator Patrick interjecting—

I will take the interjection, Senator Patrick, because the principle of whether or not a motion has precedence for consideration is an important one. Not every motion or OPD request or anything else that is bowled up at the start of the day is about to be granted leave. Even if we don't have the numbers, we'll go through the process of denying leave and the consequent consideration by the Senate that would occur.

In relation to the motion and its content, it is correct that Senator Colbeck was asked yesterday about provision of vaccine doses to the end of July 2021. I note that the motion that's been brought forward here seeks information through to the end of 2021, a considerably longer period of time than Senator Colbeck was asked about in the chamber yesterday. Senator Colbeck did come back to the chamber last night with further information, as he had promised to do. The further information that he provided to the chamber indicated that the government has to date received 4½ million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and that Pfizer have confirmed supply of a further 3.4 million doses to the end of July 2021. He also quotes a statement that Pfizer had released in relation to the broader supply of vaccines through the period of 2021 that's important to place on the record. That statement from Pfizer says: 'As Pfizer informed parliament whilst giving evidence on the record to the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 hearing on 28 January 2021, Pfizer proposed to the Australian government the procurement of 10 million doses of our COVID-19 vaccine, and that was the number initially contracted by the government. The parties have since contracted agreements for a further 30 million doses.' Indeed, Pfizer in their statements have confirmed that Australia will be supplied with a total of 40 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.

I note that, in much of the rhetoric during the debate, there was scant reference to the changed circumstances that have hit the vaccine rollout during the course of this year. These are just realities that we have had to face, which Senator Colbeck and others have spoken on extensively. It would, of course, be preferable, and it would have been the government's preference, had contracted vaccines that were expected to come to Australia during the early parts of this year arrived on time. They didn't—some 3.4 million.

Senator Lambie interjecting—

I will take Senator Lambie's interjection as well, which is just false. Indeed, many were urging us to make sure that we proceeded in supporting a vaccine that we had the capability to manufacture in Australia, which was the case with AstraZeneca. Australia does not yet have the capability to manufacture the new mRNA technologies. That's why we're going through the process of trying to procure and secure the intellectual property and the technology and investment to ensure that, for the medium to long term, we are able to get that manufacturing capability into Australia.

But the reality is that certain supplies didn't turn up as had been contracted and expected. The reality is that there have been two significant changes in relation to the health advice around AstraZeneca. These have been disruptions the government would wish had not occurred, but they have occurred. We have responded to them, the states and territories have responded to them and, indeed, so have the medical practitioners participating in the rollout. I place on record our thanks to all those involved in the rollout for the way in which they have adapted to the changed circumstances.

Senator Patrick interjecting—

It's actually called having ownership of the technology and the ability to manufacture, Senator Patrick. You can all pretend, if you like, that there's an easy answer here. What we're working through are the realities we face in an ever-changing circumstance that we've confronted.

As I said, the government won't oppose this motion. We will endeavour to provide as comprehensive a reply as we can. I note that there are aspects of this that will require discussion with the states and territories about releasing information relevant to them and that we'll look at any commercial aspects in relation to consideration of the motion. But the government does not oppose this motion and notes the importance of the vaccine rollout to all Australians.

Question agreed to.