Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for his question. Senators in this chamber will be aware that we are in the middle of a global pandemic. As such, decisions are being made by the government, in particular to ensure that Australians are kept safe from the effects of COVID-19. Senator Ciccone, you will also be aware that, as has been stated on many an occasion, the decisions that the Morrison government makes in relation to COVID-19 are based on health advice. On 22 April 2021, you will also be aware, India was designated a high-risk country, by agreement of the national cabinet. You would also have seen that, on 27 April 2021, cabinet's National Security Committee did agree to pause direct passenger flights from India. Senator Ciccone, again as you would be aware, this decision was reinforced by the decision made by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, as he is entitled to do, under section 477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015. This decision was made on the basis of health advice.

The Morrison government, the Prime Minister and the minister for health have been very, very clear. Our first priority as a government must be to keep Australians safe, and, in doing that, we will make decisions such as the one that the minister for health has made. But what we have also been very, very clear on is this: the government will continue to review these measures, as we've said, including the resumption of flights—