22nd Jun 2021, 6:52 PM – Representatives Covid-19 Disaster Payment (Funding Arrangements) Bill 2021 - Second Reading - Quarantine and vaccine program

The majority voted in favour of disagreeing with a motion introduced by Scullin MP Andrew Giles, which means the motion failed. Had it been successful, the motion would have amended the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be reach a second time" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill).

Motion text

That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1) notes the Government has:

(a) catastrophically failed to address outbreaks in hotel quarantine, which has led to extended lockdowns in states across Australia;

(b) botched the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which has left all Australians, but particularly aged care workers, vulnerable; and

(c) failed to ensure that workers and businesses received the support needed in the recent Victorian lockdown;

(2) further notes this bill may not have been necessary, if not for the Government's failure on quarantine and vaccines, both national responsibilities; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) build dedicated quarantine facilities and expand existing facilities in every state and territory;

(b) fix the vaccine rollout and expand mobile and mass vaccination clinics;

(c) start a mass public information campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated; and

(d) begin manufacturing mRNA vaccines right here in Australia".