Extension to NW Outbreak Inquiry

Media release – Greg Melick AO SC, Independent Reviewer, 21 August 2020

Submissions extended to the Independent Review of the Response to the North West Tasmania COVID-19 outbreak

The closing date has been extended for submissions to the Independent Review of the Response to the North-West Tasmania COVID-19 outbreak, to 1 September 2020.

Given how important it is for interested parties to make submissions, and acknowledging how many people continue to be focussed on the COVID-19 response, it has been determined to extend the final date for submissions to 5pm, Tuesday 1 September 2020.

The effectiveness of the Independent Review relies on full and frank submissions being made. All Tasmanians, including State Service employees and Officers are encouraged to engage with the process.

I have been advised by the Government that there will be no breach of the Code of Conduct committed by a State Service employee, acting in good faith, providing evidence, or producing material to the Independent Reviewer.

Written submissions can be submitted by email or post to:

Email:                  NWOutbreakReview@dpac.tas.gov.au

Post:                    Independent Review North-West Tasmania, GPO Box 123, Hobart, TAS 7001.

More information, together with the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review can be found at: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/

Media release – Sarah Lovell MLC, Shadow Health Minister, 21 August 2020

NW inquiry extension the right call

Labor welcomes the extension of the timeframe for submissions to the inquiry into the North West COVID-19 outbreak.

Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said it’s the right decision after the belated granting of immunity to public sector workers giving evidence to the inquiry.

“The outbreak in the North West was one of the worst in the country, with one third of Tasmania’s hospitals closed, the military called in, nearly 5000 people forced into quarantine and the extended lockdown in the region.

“Labor called for immunity for public sector workers and – when it was belatedly granted – called for an extension to the submission deadline.

“Now that people know they will have immunity from reprisals, they are much more likely to come forward with evidence that will help Tasmania be better prepared for, and able to respond to, emerging developments with COVID-19.

“These workers should have been given full protection from the start, particularly in light of the criticism and blame directed at them by the Chief Medical Officer and the Prime Minister during the outbreak, based on false information.

“For this inquiry to be meaningful and deliver findings that provide genuine insights, people need to feel safe to provide evidence that clearly sets out what happened in the lead up to, and during, the North West outbreak.

“We want to learn all we can from this inquiry so we can prevent any further outbreaks and keep Tasmanians safe.”