CSIRO to appear before COVID-19 inquiry

Witnesses from CSIRO will give evidence at a public hearing on the organisation’s work in vaccine research, data services and advanced manufacturing capabilities in response to the pandemic.

The hearing is part of the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Committee, says that in addition to its research work, CSIRO has provided valuable services to Australian state and Federal governments during the pandemic.

Senator Fawcett said “CSIRO is doing valuable work in support of global efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19. But it is also helping Governments to understand and manage the pandemic in a variety of ways. Their work in supporting the rapid development of advanced materials for use in the manufacturing of face masks and the testing of respirators against Australian standards has been invaluable.”

Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 4 August

Time: 4.30-5.30pm AEST

Location: By teleconference

The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live

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