Question On Notice No. 1175 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 December 2022 by Hon Martin Aldridge
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Premier
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
(1) I refer to question without notice 1142 asked by the Hon Wilson Tucker on 16 November 2022 regarding the Government's independent review into the COVID-19 response and I ask, when will this review commence?
(2) who will undertake this review?
(3) what are the terms of reference of this review?
(4) what is the expected cost of this review?
(5) when will this review be completed?
(6) given the Premier has stated a review into COVID-19 would only be appropriate, and I quote, "once the pandemic is over" has the Government received health advice confirming the COVID-19 pandemic is over and if so, please table that advice.?
Answered on 14 February 2023
(1) The independent review has commenced.
(2) Emeritus Professor Margaret Seares AO, Honourable John Day and Dr Michael Schaper.
(3) The terms of reference are published on the WA Government website.
The review will consider WA’s COVID-19 management and response to ensure preparedness for future pandemics.
In particular, it will examine and provide recommendations on the following:
a) Pandemic planning and preparedness, specifically:
i. Public sector pandemic plans and policies; and
ii. Public sector capacity and capability.
b) Government programs and processes to support the health response, specifically:
i. COVID-19 testing, including the Free Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) program, procurement of ventilators, mask distribution, and vaccine rollout; and
ii. Digital solutions (e.g. PHOCUS, VaccinateWA, G2G, SafeWA and ServiceWA).
c) Intragovernmental communication and cooperation, specifically:
i. Structures and resource mobilisation across the public sector; and
ii. Data collection, sharing and use.
d) Community support, engagement, and communication, specifically:
i. Public communications and campaigns; and
ii. Industry and community engagement.
e) The effectiveness of public health levers on health outcomes, specifically:
i. Public health and social measures, including borders; and
ii. Testing, tracing, isolation, and quarantine.
In addition to considering Government’s future preparedness, the reviewers will also consider the economic, social and health outcomes of WA’s COVID-19 management and response.
(4) The final cost will be confirmed and released publicly at the conclusion of the review.
(5) Subject to the availability of the panel, a final report is expected to be provided to Cabinet in mid-2023.
(6) The Premier’s commitment to hold an independent review following the end of the State of Emergency period, which concluded on 4 November 2022, is being upheld.