Hon Robin Scott asks if the McGowan government supports an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 in China, given the Chinese government's reaction to calls for such an inquiry. The government's response focuses on WA's economic recovery and the importance of understanding COVID-19's origins.

AnsweredQoN 471Legislative Council
Asked
19 May 2020
Portfolio
Leader of the House representing the Premier

QuestionView source ↗

CORONAVIRUS — ORIGINS INQUIRY
471. Hon ROBIN SCOTT to the Leader of the House representing
the Premier:
Following calls for an inquiry into
the origin of the coronavirus, the Chinese government has attempted to threaten
and coerce the Australian people, with a Chinese state media editor describing
Australia as ''gum stuck to the bottom of China's shoe''.
Does the McGowan government support an independent inquiry into the origins of
COVID-19 in China?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
The
state government is currently focused on steering Western Australia through
this health crisis. We will continue to work with our major trading
partners, including Japan, Korea —
Hon Robin Scott : Answer the
question!
The PRESIDENT : Excuse me,
member. The Leader of the House is answering the question that you asked.
Hon SUE ELLERY : I am, but I will
start again in case the honourable member missed it.
The
state government is currently focused on steering Western Australia through
this health crisis. We will continue to work with our major trading
partners, including Japan, Korea and China, to ensure that when we emerge from
this crisis, Western Australia will be as economically well positioned as
possible. Understanding the origins and transmission patterns of COVID-19 is
important to try to prevent it from occurring again.

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