❓ Mrs. Harvey questions the Premier on strengthened port protocols following COVID-19 cases on the Al Kuwait livestock vessel. The Premier acknowledges the situation, highlights Commonwealth responsibility for port protocols, and requests a review of these protocols.
AnsweredQoN 353Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS — PORT PROTOCOLS
353. Mrs L.M. HARVEY to the Premier:
I refer to today's announcement regarding COVID-19
cases on the Al Kuwait livestock vessel. Given that this now reflects
the new norm for Western Australia until a vaccine or cure is found and that we
must remain vigilant on quarantine, how has the Premier strengthened procedures
to ensure that there is no spread of COVID-19 from international trading ship
sources?
353. Mrs L.M. HARVEY to the Premier:
I refer to today's announcement regarding COVID-19
cases on the Al Kuwait livestock vessel. Given that this now reflects
the new norm for Western Australia until a vaccine or cure is found and that we
must remain vigilant on quarantine, how has the Premier strengthened procedures
to ensure that there is no spread of COVID-19 from international trading ship
sources?
AnswerView source ↗
Obviously, the situation surrounding this ship is concerning
for the state government. We were made aware of it this morning. We were then
made aware that there were six positive cases on board the ship at this point
in time, and it may well be that more positive cases develop over coming days.
Clearly, there are significant issues to be resolved around getting the ship to
leave and ensuring that the ship is as clean as possible so that can occur. We
also have to manage the 56 000 sheep that are currently in a feedlot in
Baldivis. This is an evolving and difficult situation for the state to deal
with.
The matter of ships coming
into ports is a commonwealth responsibility. When the COVID-19 issue first came
into focus three months ago, we worked with the commonwealth to ensure
that there were protocols in place to protect Western Australians and
Australians as best we can. Those protocols, as I understand it, are being
implemented. But, clearly, out of this issue, there needs to be a further
review of the commonwealth protocols in that regard. I passed on messages to
the commonwealth government today requesting that review be undertaken to
ensure that the arrangements in place are watertight and that the Australian
public is protected as best we can.
Our best asset in Western Australia is our isolation from
international sources and the east, and we intend to keep borders in place with
the eastern states for as long as is necessary to ensure that we protect our
citizens as best we can. It is clear that there is a difference of view between
the state Liberals and the state government on that, but that is our position.
We will do our best to continue to protect the people of our state, but I have
put in a request to the commonwealth government that it review its protocols in
light of what has taken place.
for the state government. We were made aware of it this morning. We were then
made aware that there were six positive cases on board the ship at this point
in time, and it may well be that more positive cases develop over coming days.
Clearly, there are significant issues to be resolved around getting the ship to
leave and ensuring that the ship is as clean as possible so that can occur. We
also have to manage the 56 000 sheep that are currently in a feedlot in
Baldivis. This is an evolving and difficult situation for the state to deal
with.
The matter of ships coming
into ports is a commonwealth responsibility. When the COVID-19 issue first came
into focus three months ago, we worked with the commonwealth to ensure
that there were protocols in place to protect Western Australians and
Australians as best we can. Those protocols, as I understand it, are being
implemented. But, clearly, out of this issue, there needs to be a further
review of the commonwealth protocols in that regard. I passed on messages to
the commonwealth government today requesting that review be undertaken to
ensure that the arrangements in place are watertight and that the Australian
public is protected as best we can.
Our best asset in Western Australia is our isolation from
international sources and the east, and we intend to keep borders in place with
the eastern states for as long as is necessary to ensure that we protect our
citizens as best we can. It is clear that there is a difference of view between
the state Liberals and the state government on that, but that is our position.
We will do our best to continue to protect the people of our state, but I have
put in a request to the commonwealth government that it review its protocols in
light of what has taken place.
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