Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Education and Youth, Senator Reynolds. Reports suggest around 30 per cent of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales and 40 per cent of cases in Victoria are in those who are 19 and younger. How many children have contracted COVID-19 in New South Wales and Victoria during the current delta outbreak?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. I don't have those statistics to hand, but I will see if I can get them and reply to you as soon as I can.

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

Senator O'Neill, a supplementary question?

Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister is taking it on notice. As of last week, 40 per cent of COVID-19 cases in western New South Wales were in First Nations children. How many First Nations children have contracted COVID-19 in the current delta outbreaks in New South Wales, and how many in Victoria?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for that question. I will also have to take that on notice, given that this is a health question. I'll take it on notice and get back to you.

Senator Watt interjecting—

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

Order! Senator Watt, the minister is treating the Senate with courtesy. The minister answering should be allowed to take it on notice, in order. Senator O'Neill.

Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, in your capacity representing the Minister for Education and Youth, how many children across Australia are currently battling COVID-19, and does the Prime Minister still believe it's not a race?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will also have to take that one on notice. Again, it's the Department of Health that keeps those statistics, and I am the Minister for the NDIS.