Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hanson-Young for her question. The provision of accurate information in relation to all health matters, but particularly in relation to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, is particularly important. The government is investing in communications to ensure that accurate, timely information is provided to Australians to give them reassurance about the facts around the COVID-19 vaccine availability, about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as well. Those information measures that the government undertakes are important means of communicating with the Australian people along with, indeed, the support provided by many, be they by many in the media, be they by many in public life. Even people like the member for Maribyrnong, I note have being quite vocal in their information provision in relation to vaccines, including the AstraZeneca vaccine. I welcome that.

Obviously our media regulators are empowered under Australian laws to act where necessary. They have the processes in place in relation to the way in which they respond to complaints, conduct investigations and respond to such matters. Those processes don't involve political interference, but I am happy to seek any further information in terms of actions those regulators may be taking that could be provided to the chamber.