Ms ROSOL question to MINISTER for HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH and WELLBEING, Mr BARNETT
Yesterday, in what was described as a model for the rest of the country and the world, Victoria followed the science and launched a Pathway to Clear Indoor Air Project that will improve indoor air quality, reduce disease and boost productivity. The Victorian Minister for Medical Research recognises that COVID is airborne and hand sanitiser does not cut it. They know clean air reduces transmission of COVID, and with 227 Victorians dying of COVID in the last month, their government wants to protect its people.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, we have no real idea of how many people are infected with COVID. No figures on COVID deaths have been released since April. Who knows how many Tasmanians have long COVID, and what even is clean air? Will you update yourself and Tasmanians on the science of how COVID spreads and follow the lead of Victoria and do the work needed to improve indoor air quality for all Tasmanians, so we too can be healthier and more productive?
ANSWER
Thanks very much, Speaker, and I thank the member for her question and special interest in this matter of COVID, and appreciate that ongoing interest with my office and the department. That is appreciated. It is very important matter from the government’s point of view and we take the advice of the experts.
With respect to COVID, our objective was to save people’s lives and save people’s livelihoods. That was achieved in this state of Tasmania. I want to commend the former premier, Peter Gutwein, for his workaholic approach. He had nothing left in the tank at the end of it. He worked so tirelessly to lead this state, together with the deputy premier, now Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, and the rest of the team.
It was a tough time. I put that on the record with a tribute and acknowledge all of us in this Chamber for the hard work that was demonstrated during those difficult times. Saving lives and livelihoods was a massive priority, and at all times we took advice from our health experts. Our decisions were informed by the health experts and I put that on the record.
There was a massive response. You have referred to clean air and the importance of it. I have said several times over the winter months to take appropriate measures as members of the public. The Department of Health has a strategy and action plan to respond to the winter challenges, which are higher now than at other times of the year.
I have referred to the RSV vaccination, matters that are a priority. You have referred to the current acute respiratory illness activity. My advice is that the acute respiratory illness activity is moderate and the trend is stable; COVID-19 activity is moderate and the trend is decreasing; influenza activity is moderate and the trend is stable; and RSV activity is moderate and the trend is stable.
That is an update for the member and for the parliament. I hope it is useful. I am always happy to get feedback directly to my office if you would like further information or an update or briefing from my department to any member in this place.
There is a special interest from the member in long COVID as well. I am more than happy to have a look at the Victorian initiative of yesterday and try to be kept up to date. That is certainly a priority for myself and our government.
The SPEAKER – The minister’s time has expired, as has the time for Question Time.
