Review into COVID-19 vaccine and treatment purchases

The Albanese Government is undertaking an independent review of Australia’s vaccine and treatment procurements, led by former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Professor Jane Halton AO.

 

This review is a chance for the Albanese Government to examine the current procurement processes for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments and take stock of our current supplies.

 

It will help ensure all eligible Australians have access to COVID-19 vaccines based on the medical advice, now and in the future.

 

Ms Halton is a well-respected and experienced leader in the health sector who is chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and co-chair of the COVAX initiative. She undertook the previous Government’s Review of Hotel Quarantine.

 

Ms Halton has also held a number of significant global health roles, including as chair of the board of the World Health Organization (WHO), president of the World Health Assembly, and chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) health committee.

 

The review will make recommendations on future procurement strategies, in line with the latest medical advice, and compare Australia’s purchasing processes with similar jurisdictions.

 

The intention is to release key findings of the review, excluding any matters that are commercial-in-confidence.

 

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“The Australian community has seen the consequences of the Morrison Government being caught flat footed on protecting Australians through vaccinations and treatments.”

 

“This review will provide a deep dive into current supplies and how we plan for the future vaccine and treatments needs.

 

“I have already met with Pfizer and Moderna and sought an update on their progress in vaccine development for different variants of COVID as well as paediatric doses.

 

“I look forward to working with the industry on delivering vaccines and keeping Australians safe from severe illness, now and into the future.”