Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 25 July 2020
Submissions invited for the Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak
The Tasmanian Government is calling for submissions for the Independent Review into the North West COVID-19 outbreak.
The Review will cover every aspect of the outbreak in the North West, including the actions and effectiveness of those actions taken in response.
Mr Greg Melick AO RDF SC has been appointed as the Independent Reviewer.
An expert working group with members experienced in public health, hospital administration, and public sector administration is also being established to help advise the Independent Reviewer.
Throughout the pandemic the Tasmanian Government has taken a responsible and transparent approach to our response and management of COVID-19 and this Independent Review will be a vital component of that approach.
Submissions are open until Friday 14 August 2020.
More information can be found at: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/independent_review_of_the_response_to_the_north-west_tasmania_covid-19_outbreak
Final Terms of Reference
Independent Review of the Response to the North-West Tasmania COVID-19 Outbreak
Purpose
An Independent Review will consider the actions, and effectiveness of those actions, taken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in North-West Tasmania by government agencies, public and private health care facilities, and other relevant authorities.
The Terms of Reference for the Review are:
1. The chronology and response to the COVID-19 outbreak in North-West Tasmania including but not limited to:
i. the public health and health system preparedness for the outbreak;
ii. the entry and spread of the virus in North-West Tasmania;
iii. the efficacy of decisions and actions, with respect to identification, isolation, contact tracing and quarantine for cases or potential cases in the North-West;
iv. timelines and effectiveness of communications to hospital staff, the local community and private sector health service providers; and
v. access to, training for and use of Personal Protective Equipment.
2. The effectiveness of directions, notices, orders and regulations made under the Emergency Management Act 2006 and the Public Health Act 1997, in respect of the North-West.
3. The effectiveness of state, regional and local response, control, communication and co-ordination arrangements, including agency interoperability, and the co-ordination of activities with government and non-government organisations, including Public Health Services, the Department of Health, the North West Regional Hospital and the Mersey Community Hospital.
4. The timeliness and effectiveness of closing the North West Regional Hospital and the North West Private Hospital in Burnie, and the impact on other health and related facilities.
5. Any other matter relevant to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the North-West that the Reviewer identifies in the course of Review activities as warranting investigation and discussion.
6. The Reviewer will:
i. provide an opportunity to persons with a proper interest in the subject matter of the Review to make submissions about that subject matter and, if thought necessary, to be heard personally in relation those matters;
ii. ensure that where necessary appropriate confidentiality arrangements are made for persons assisting the Review; and
iii. ensure the lived experience of North-West Coast patients diagnosed with COVID19 and those placed in quarantine are taken account of.
An independent person of eminent standing and experience will conduct the Review. A working group will be established in conjunction with, and to advise, the Reviewer with at least public health, hospital administration, and public sector administration experience.
The Review will commence in mid July 2020.
The date for submissions and or consultations will be determined by the Reviewer. The Final Report, including findings and recommendations, is expected to be delivered by the Reviewer by the end of October, subject to the spread of COVID-19 over that timeframe and possible impacts on the availability of personnel.
Media release – Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson, 25 July 2020
Workers Submitting to NW Inquiry Need Protection Guarantee
The opening of submissions for the Independent Inquiry into the NW outbreak is welcome, but the government must guarantee protection for all workers who provide input.
This Inquiry is an essential component of Tasmania’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Our state is currently in a good situation regarding control of the virus, but with the pandemic escalating in other states and globally we should learn all available lessons from our past COVID experience.
We need meticulous scrutiny of the conditions that resulted in the serious North West outbreak, which requires full and frank accounts from those directly involved. This will not occur if workers are worried there could be repercussions to their job security for speaking up.
The ability to provide an anonymous submission is not sufficient protection for workers concerned about legal or workplace actions that could follow against them as a result of their testimony. Even with anonymity, some staff from this small community may be identifiable by their position, or their involvement in particular situations.
If the Gutwein Government is serious about this Inquiry being comprehensive and effective, it needs to take on board the serious concerns of unions and workers and guarantee legal and workplace protection to all staff who make a submission to this process.
