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

The Australian government continues to work cooperatively with the states with respect to the vaccine rollout through the forum of the national cabinet. Obviously the states and territories have, within their own realm, some capacities with respect to mandates, and we've seen that play out in some states. But overwhelmingly, from a national perspective, the position of the Australian government has been from the beginning and continues to be that the vaccination program should be a voluntary program. And, as I've indicated to you in the answer to your primary question, Senator—through you, Mr President—Australians have overwhelmingly demonstrated their desire to be vaccinated, because they know that we have safe vaccines, they know that they work and they know that the vaccines will protect them, their families and their communities, and that's important. I would urge all states to ensure they have a proper approval process—a consent process—for the application of vaccines. (Time expired)