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

I thank Senator Faruqi for her question. Whilst I understand the sentiment of your question, I am actually going to disagree with the comments you've made in relation to the government. In relation to the position on the waiver, I will take that on notice and seek further information for you from the relevant minister. What I would say is that, when it comes to countries like India—and I've met with the Indian community in terms of what they've raised on the waiver—and countries in the Pacific, Australia is working with them to ensure that they do have access to the vaccinations that they need.

As you would know, India itself has shown great leadership not just to Australia but globally, through its generosity throughout the pandemic. In fact, it has exported over 66 million vaccines globally, as you would know. You can look at the number of vaccines that India has also donated in the Pacific to countries like Nauru and Fiji. The government's position, as has been articulated by the Prime Minister, is that it is now time for the world to repay that generosity. Australia, working with India in this case, is well and truly going to play its part.

As you know, we have made a commitment to India in relation to essential medical supplies as part of the Australian government's initial package to assist India as it battles COVID-19. Part of that includes over 1,000 ventilators and 43 oxygen concentrators. At this point in time, we are doing what we can, identifying with the Indian government— (Time expired)