Independent Review into North West COVID-19 Outbreak

Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 24 June 2020

Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak

The Tasmanian Government has released for public comment the draft Terms of Reference for the Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak.

Mr Greg Melick AO RDF SC has been appointed as the Independent Reviewer.

An eminent member of Australia’s legal community, Mr Melick practises as a barrister and mediator in several jurisdictions in both criminal and civil matters. He is also Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Tasmania’s Integrity Commission.

An expert working group will also be established to advise Mr Melick with members to have public health, hospital administration, and public sector administration experience.

It has been and remains my intention to ensure we have a responsible and transparent approach to Tasmania’s response and management of COVID-19.

This Independent Review of the North West outbreak is a vital component of that approach.

The Terms of Reference cover every aspect of the outbreak in the North West, including the actions and effectiveness of those actions taken in response.

It will consider Government agencies, public and private health care facilities and any other relevant authorities.

The Independent Reviewer Mr Melick will:

Provide an opportunity to persons with a proper interest in the subject matter of this review to make submissions about that subject matter and, if thought necessary, to be heard personally in relation those matters;
Ensure that where necessary appropriate confidentiality arrangements are made for persons assisting the inquiry; and
Ensure the lived experience of North West Coast patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and those placed in quarantine are taken into account.
The Review will also cover any other matter relevant to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the North West that Mr Melick identifies in the course of Review activities as warranting investigation and discussion.

Feedback on the draft Terms of Reference closes on July 8, 2020 with the final Report expected to be delivered by the end of October.

More information can be found at: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/

Media release – AMA Tasmania, Wednesday 24 June 2020

INDEPENDENT REVIEW INTO THE NORTH WEST COVID-19 OUTBREAK

AMA Tasmania President Professor John Burgess welcomes today’s release by the Tasmanian Government of the draft Terms of Reference for the Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak.

AMA Tasmania has been proactive in our advocacy and support for an independent inquiry and in the lead up to today’s announcement have held highly productive discussions with the government regarding how the review should be framed. The findings of the inquiry will enable the Tasmanian community and government to learn deeply from the experience and to better prepare for the future.

Professor Burgess added, “we know moving forward, the results of this inquiry will be critical for informing the governance and Public Health policy and process reforms required to prevent a similar outbreak occurring in the future.

Further, we strongly urge all front-line health staff, public and private sector health care workers, and the community in general, to fully participate in the inquiry, as this is not about apportioning blame but rather constructively learning from what has transpired.

We congratulate the Premier for his willingness to progress this inquiry and for the spirit of collaboration and learning in which this has occurred.”

Anita Dow MP Labor Member for Braddon & Shane Broad MP Labor Member for Braddon, 24 June 2020

Labor welcomes Independent Review into North West COVID-19 outbreak

Labor welcomes the government’s release of the draft Terms of Reference for the Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak.

Labor Member for Braddon, Shane Broad, said people in the states North West will be relieved that the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review are now available for them to view.

“The North West has been hardest hit by COVID-19 and businesses and the community are doing it really tough,” Dr Broad said.

“5000 people were quarantined, major hospitals shut, the military was bought in to run our hospitals, our businesses were locked down for an extended period and beloved members of our local community have died.

“The release of the Terms of Reference allows for discussion of Tasmania’s pandemic preparedness, how the virus entered into Tasmania, the government’s response, and other measures that contributed to the outbreak.

“It is vital that we learn from devastation of COVID-19 and prevent anything like this from occurring again.”

Labor Member for Braddon, Anita Dow, said a Royal Commission is necessary to ensure Tasmania’s community and health care workforce are supported and protected into the future

“A Royal Commission is the only way we can truly get a picture of the massive health, social and economic impacts the community has felt as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak in the North West,” Ms Dow said.

“The government must commit to a Royal Commission into the COVID-19 outbreak in Tasmania. The families of loved ones lost to this crisis deserve nothing less.”