Senate debates Documents
COVID-19; Order for the Production of Documents
Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
4:52 pm
At the request of Senator Keneally, I move:
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Aged Care, by no later than 9.30 am on 26 August 2021, the advice referred to by the Prime Minister in his statement on 22 August 2021 that 'what we've been advised by Professor McVernon is that the starting point doesn't ultimately change the ultimate conclusion point of where case numbers arrive'.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
The government opposes this motion. The Doherty institute modelling report for national cabinet was publicly released in full on 3 August. The Doherty institute issued a public statement on 23 August 2021 confirming that the published and widely available modelling is applicable and aligns with the national plan to manage COVID-19. The director of the Doherty institute confirmed that oral advice consistent with the public modelling was provided on the weekend 21 and 22 August. This motion is a waste of the Senate's time and should be opposed by senators who do not want to play politics with this pandemic.
Question negatived.
Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
4:53 pm
by leave—Obviously it's our motion. We would like it recorded that we supported it.
Rachel Siewert WA, Australian Greens
by leave—The Greens also support this motion.
Scott Ryan President
I record the Greens' wish. I thank senators for their understanding in not calling unnecessary divisions.