David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing Minister for Health, Senator Cash. Minister, could you update the Senate on what actions the Morrison government is taking to keep Australians safe and to protect Australians from the global challenge of coronavirus?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett for the question. I am advised that the number of diagnosed cases of coronavirus has now exceeded 80,000. Just over 2,750 people have now lost their lives due to the coronavirus. In terms of the 80,000, the majority have been reported from mainland China, with 2,752 cases reported from 39 countries and regions outside of mainland China. The situation globally has seen significant jumps in Japan, South Korea, Iran and parts of northern Italy, with Austria, Switzerland and Croatia reporting their first confirmed cases. Twenty-five per cent of all reported cases outside of mainland China are associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship, while 36 per cent are from South Korea.

As the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health have stated, Australia is not immune to the coronavirus and its impacts, but we are as best prepared as any country can be in the world today. The government's decisions from the outset have been to exercise an abundance of caution. That continues, and we are not complacent going forward. The government is working constantly to keep Australians safe. That is our No. 1 priority.

On 21 January the Chief Medical Officer made the decision to declare coronavirus a disease of pandemic potential. This triggered a series of actions in Australia: the standing up of the national incident centre, the standing up of the National Medical Stockpile, the readiness and activation of the national trauma centre, daily meetings of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and meetings of state, territory and Commonwealth health ministers to discuss pandemic readiness.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Fawcett, a supplementary question?

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, could you update the Senate on the status of those Australians who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Twenty-three cases of what is now being referred to as COVID-19 have been confirmed in Australia. Fifteen cases have been identified in the general population. All 15 of those cases have now been cleared and discharged from hospital. This is a positive step and a positive reflection on the Australian health and medical services system. Eight cases have been diagnosed associated with the Diamond Princess repatriation flight from Japan. The cases are residents of Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. All of these cases have been repatriated to their home states for isolation and care. The most recent case confirmed overnight is noted to be the partner of a recently repatriated Diamond Princess case. The case is receiving care in isolation in Victoria.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Fawcett, a final supplementary question?

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline to the Senate how the government is helping Australians through this crisis by containing the threat and providing Australians with the support they need?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, as the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health state, our priority is to keep Australians safe. The Prime Minister said:

There's a global virus and we are seeking to contain the virus.

Unfortunately there will be instances where there will be inconveniences for those who would have been in transit and travelling.

That's regrettable but you have to put Australia’s national interests first.

We will continue implementing border measures to screen passengers on flights and vessels from mainland China and for people who have been in or transited through mainland China in the past 14 days. These measures are all kept under regular review. We will also continue to work in close cooperation with state and territory government authorities and our international partners. The government can reassure Australians that our nation is well-equipped and prepared for this global health challenge.