Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes. As I was saying, applying for blood licensing will be done electronically. If it is processed overseas, it will happen that way. I was just expressing my concern that the electronic licensing system would not be able to be administered, and we could not be sure of the same safety with blood products that we have now if that system came into play.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has progressively implemented a major information system project in support of regulatory activities. The Department of Health and Ageing argued that many of the issues raised by the ANAO in its audit were being addressed. They were being addressed because it identified some problems. The audit report was particularly critical of information systems projects in support of regulatory activities. I need some assurance that this will be addressed. The department has said it will be addressed. Electronic data systems are very important to our health system. When it identifies issues such as data management, documentation and record-keeping procedures and recommends that these systems be improved, action needs to be taken immediately. Whilst my contributions to the debate have been pulled more into the parameters of the legislation than the contribution of any other speaker in the debate—

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