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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 248 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 August 2021 by Hon Wilson Tucker

Question Directed to the: Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Health
Parliament: 41 Session: 1


Question

I refer to question without notice 448, answered on 10 August 2021, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to which the State Government is a party, and I note that Priority Reform Area 4 of the agreement calls for locally relevant and accessible data for monitoring and implementing closing the gap targets, and I ask:
(a) how is the answer provided consistent with the State Government's obligations under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap;
(b) is there a memorandum of understanding between the Commonwealth and the State Government for the sharing of COVID-19 vaccination data and, if not, why not; and
(c) does the State Government operate any COVID-19 vaccination programs for the State's indigenous population?

Answered on 12 October 2021

I am advised:

(1) All Parties to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap agree that shared access to data and information is a priority. However, specific actions to achieve improvements for Priority Reform Area 4 of the National Agreement are currently still under development.

(2) WA Health is authorised to access Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data  under the AIR Act and complies with use of data prescribed by the Act. There is no formal agreement between the Commonwealth and the State for specific sharing COVID-19 vaccination data outside the AIR Act.  WA Health is working with the Commonwealth Department of Health to develop a shared data governance framework including guidelines for data disclosure.

(3) Yes. WA Health State clinics are available to the indigenous population.  Aboriginal people aged 12 years and over are eligible for vaccine and can book an appointment at any State clinic. WA Health has worked in partnership with a number of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, including Derbarl Yerrigan and Bega Garnbirringu to deliver vaccinations to the Aboriginal communities.