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

AM (—) (): I think it is very important for all leaders in this place to keep a sense of perspective in relation to the omicron variant or, indeed, other variants that may emerge in the future. As Professor Peter Collignon, infectious diseases physician at the ANU, said, fear is 'out of proportion to the data at the moment' with this new variant. Indeed, as Professor Greg Dore, epidemiologist at the Kirby Institute said, 'Ideal response to uncertainty is to accelerate evidence gathering. It's not the pull the panic levers … ' I would urge those opposite and all to keep that sense of perspective at present. The government has acted in a precautionary way to further tighten border restrictions in relation to a number of nations across the southern part of the African continent. We are continuing to receive regular briefings in relation to this. But it is notable that a number of health experts have highlighted the seemingly mild implications of this variant, so we ought to all keep it in perspective.