Tasmanian Labor acknowledges the work of the Independent Review into the Response to the North West COVID-19 outbreak and is calling for the immediate release of the findings.
Labor Member for Braddon Anita Dow said it was disappointing that the government has seen fit to sit on the Report and not to release it publicly straight away.
“This is an extremely important document that goes to Tasmania’s preparedness to deal with any future outbreak and it should not be withheld by the government,” Ms Dow said.
“Unfortunately the government’s refusal to release it publicly means it will not be available for scrutiny during the final Parliamentary sitting week of the year.
“This smacks of the trademark secrecy the Gutwein Government is known for.
“This follows revelations at Budget Estimates last week that passengers from the Ruby Princess cruise ship were allowed into the state without quarantining, despite the advice of Biosecurity Tasmania.
“We know the Ruby Princess was the source of the North West outbreak which tragically cost thirteen Tasmanians their lives.
“The government claims nothing is more important than the health and safety of the community, healthcare staff and patients, yet we’re not able to scrutinise the findings of the Inquiry set up to examine these very things in the Parliament this week.
“As restrictions lift and Tasmania welcomes increasing numbers of visitors to the state, it is imperative that the findings of the North West Inquiry are released and that important lessons are learnt.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
