Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I have answered this question. There is a national response being led with the Commonwealth, jurisdictions and the professional bodies to coordinate the shortage of IV fluid supplies. It is not unusual, where there are shortages, that health professionals are asked to manage the supply while more supply comes on board. As you would expect, that is actually part of a response to a supply shortage.

There are a number of steps that have been taken, but you would expect the TGA to be one of those that would be taking steps, of course, so I don't think you can diminish the role of the TGA. There are a number of steps being taken, including nationally consistent clinical guidance, to support appropriate prioritisation measures to manage demand. As you would expect, and as these things are managed in the health system all the time, these are being led, there is a nationally consistent response and it is appropriate, and you shouldn't be driving fear and a scare campaign. (Time expired)