Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Birmingham. Last night the member for Dawson took to Facebook in defence of the member for Hughes, accusing others and the 'fake news media' of trying to censor Mr Kelly. Does the Prime Minister agree?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I haven't seen Mr Christensen's remarks, but I would make a couple of observations.

Firstly, I would observe that, as is often the case when these sorts of highly-charged political debates occur, there are some who take an approach which seems to suggest that everything that's ever been uttered needs to be retracted or withdrawn. So let's be very clear that our government stands firmly by our vaccine strategy. Our government wants to make sure that that is the No. 1 focus of government policy delivery and of public dialogue in relation to building confidence around the vaccine strategy.

As I have already told the chamber, and as Senator Colbeck has told the chamber, the Prime Minister met with Mr Kelly this morning. The Prime Minister made clear that neither he nor the government support any views that undermine the vaccine strategy, whether made by Mr Kelly or by anyone else in that regard. We want to make sure the overwhelming focus is on building public confidence to receive the vaccines that we are investing in and that we have secured for the Australian people. This strategy is crucial and a crucial part of the nation's health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia is incredibly well prepared because of the good work done last year to make sure we have a successful delivery of vaccines across the country.

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

Senator Wong, on a point of order.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The point of order is direct relevance. I have been mindful of your previous rulings about glancing references, but we're at 23 seconds to go and nobody who is answering questions has addressed the question, which is whether or not the Prime Minister agrees with Mr Christensen saying that Mr Kelly is being censored.

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

I'm listening carefully to the minister's answer and I think he is directly addressing the subject matter. I can't instruct him how to answer a question. As long as he's addressing the matter of information with respect to this vaccine, I think that's directly relevant to the question. Senator Birmingham to continue.

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I made clear right at the outset that I haven't seen Mr Christensen's particular comments, but the government makes no apology for encouraging everybody to speak the truth when it comes to vaccinations, to apply the evidence as prepared by the Chief Medical Officer, as presented by the head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, as backed by our government through our health advisors. (Time expired)

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

Senator Wong, a supplementary question?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just whilst question time was proceeding, Senator Canavan tweeted in defence of Mr Kelly, saying:

I think we need more Craig Kelly's willing to say unpopular things because it is only by challenging ideas that we get better ideas.

Does Prime Minister Morrison agree with Senator Canavan's comments in relation to Mr Kelly, and, if he does not, will he make clear that Senator Canavan's comments do not represent the position of the Morrison government?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's always important to have people who will test and challenge views and opinions. However, it is equally important in relation to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that government and those speaking with the public advocate for the facts of the matter and follow the factual advice that is presented. Our government has been consistent from this time last year—indeed, slightly before it—in acting and following on the health advice provided to us. We have acted on the health advice at each step of the way. That health advice has served the nation well. We have acted on the health advice in relation to the vaccination strategy that has been developed and we will continue to follow that health advice in delivering upon that vaccination strategy.

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

Senator Wong, a final supplementary question?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the Minister representing the Prime Minister please explain why the Prime Minister refuses to publicly repudiate his own MPs? Is it because he doesn't want to upset the backbench, or does he believe there is political benefit for him in their spreading of misinformation?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've stated time and time and time again during this question time now the fact that the Prime Minister has made clear that he and the government do not support any views that undermine the vaccination strategy no matter who makes them.

Senator Keneally interjecting—

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

Order, Senator Keneally!

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My advice to everyone in this place, to everyone across this parliament and, indeed, to all Australians, whether you are a member of the public or a member of the parliament—

Senator McAllister interjecting—

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

Senator McAllister!

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

or a member of the media, is to listen to the advice of the health experts.

Senator O'Neill interjecting—

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

Senator O'Neill!

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We employ a chief medical officer of Australia for good reason.

Senator Watt interjecting—

Senator O'Neill interjecting—

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

Senator Watt! Senator O'Neill!

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We employ a head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration for good reason. We've acted on their advice. In doing so we have provided 140 million doses—

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

Senator Birmingham, please resume your seat. Senators, question time is a time of interaction, despite all interjections being disorderly; I accept that. But when I call a senator by name it is usually because they have been constantly interjecting, and I do expect them to not continue unabated. Senator Birmingham, please continue.

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We've procured 140 million doses of a variety of vaccines to be spread across this country and distributed according to a detailed strategy. That's the government's priority. That's what we will deliver to keep Australians safe and secure. (Time expired)

Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.