27th Oct 2022, 12:08 PM – Senate Committees - Finance and Public Administration References Committee - Reference; COVID-19 measures

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Queensland Senator Gerard Rennick (Liberal), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 21 November 2022:

The efficacy of previous and ongoing measures to respond to COVID-19 in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) COVID-19 vaccines rolled out in Australia, including:

(i) pharmacological evidence and safety data regarding toxicity, genotoxicity and teratogenicity,

(ii) vaccines and boosters that have been subject to provisional approval in Australia or emergency use authorisations in other countries, and

(iii) adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines;

(b) antiviral treatments including Remdesivir and new treatments subject to provisional approval in Australia or emergency use authorisations in other countries;

(c) other measures including:

(i) vaccine mandates,

(ii) mask mandates,

(iii) social distancing mandates,

(iv) lockdowns, and

(v) travel restrictions, including the closure of state and international borders;

(d) the role of National Cabinet in responding to COVID-19, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority regulating medical professionals raising concerns about COVID-19 treatments; and

(e) any related matters.