Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I reject the assertion of the statement put by the opposition and the member for McMahon. While I admit nothing is perfect, I am of the view that the government's COVID-19 response has been spectacular. This government has shown leadership, unity, flexibility and a measured approach to a disaster from which many other countries will struggle to recover.

People in my electorate of Mallee are overwhelmingly grateful for the federal government's comprehensive response to the pandemic. If I had a 'gratitude-o-meter' measuring how thankful people in my electorate are, I can assure you it would be off the chart. I have never received so many emails, letters, messages and phone calls about how grateful individuals are for the support that they have received.

The plan to flatten the curve by developing an appropriate systemwide health response was nothing short of brilliant and our plan has performed extraordinarily well. Ventilators, hospitals, workforce and PPE had to be developed and this occurred in a timely way. Our national response plan provided guidance for all in the health sector, including for residential aged care. The rapidity with which our health force had to be supplied with PPE posed a serious challenge, but the government engaged with the manufacturing industry in Australia to supplement our national supply. When the world was scrambling for PPE we made our own—evidence of our ingenuity and the assistance of this government to back homegrown Aussie businesses.

The formation of the national cabinet has also seen great efficiencies in policy development, facilitating the coordination of Australia's response to the virus and allowing major decisions to occur in a timely way. This initiative, by the Prime Minister, displays this government's leadership and adaptability in a critically evolving situation.

The government's economic response has matched the health response in effectiveness and timeliness. Whether it's the creation of the single largest economic support measure in Australia's history in the JobKeeper program, now worth over $100 billion; or the increases and amendments to the JobSeeker payment that have been a lifeline for millions; or the instant asset write-off scheme, which allowed Rod Stuart from the Dunolly Bakery to purchase new ovens to improve his small business; or the cashflow boost that has provided much-needed stimulus to thousands of employer, the flexibility and responsiveness of this government to the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of astounding.

Further to that, we have been on the front foot in terms of planning and implementing these economic support packages. The Treasurer has been extraordinary in his forward planning and strategic thinking. I dread to think where we would be if this government had not been at the wheel when COVID-19 struck our shores. This government has not shied away from its responsibility to confront the dual crisis on both health and economic fronts. When others, who will remain nameless, dropped the ball in hotel quarantining or in testing, tracing and managing outbreaks, it was the federal coalition government who offered assistance and was finally permitted to send in the troops, whether it was a health workforce or the Australian Defence Force.

This government has considered what the potential outcomes of COVID-19 will be for years to come. We have not had a kneejerk response; rather, there is clear evidence of planning for the future. Other key programs, such as JobMaker and JobTrainer, are clear evidence of this government's strategy for economic recovery. Our focus on jobs and training will assist people to get back into work or change careers should that be necessary.

The federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been outstanding and stands well in comparison to responses from around the world. Suggestions to the contrary only serve to display the ignorance, wilful or otherwise, of those who make them.

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