John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This morning I was alarmed to hear that a misinformation campaign is travelling around Bennelong. Leaflets are being distributed describing the anti-COVID vaccines as unsafe. This is a blatant and desperate lie. Normally such bile would only be spouted anonymously to hide the identity of the miscreant, but this has been proudly written by one Clive Palmer, who is seemingly proud of the lives he will risk and the economic recovery he will delay by questioning our scientists.

The vaccines went through rigorous trials before they met the high demands of the TGA. Unlike other countries, we didn't rush the rollout, so we can be absolutely sure the vaccines are safe. The TGA has said that the vaccines are safe. The TGA is made up of doctors and scientists who have trained in this field for decades. Clive Palmer has said it is unsafe. Clive Palmer is neither a doctor nor a scientist, but he is desperate to reignite his political career.

From today, people in group 1 will be able to register for vaccines. There are four locations in Bennelong that will be offering it initially, and I look forward to this growing. See the Department of Health website for more details. I implore the people of Bennelong and Australia: when your turn comes, please take the vaccine. Trust the science. It's for us all.