DOCUMENTS

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (11:49): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator GALLAGHER: The government does not support this motion from Senator Antic.

It's another trawling expedition from an anti-vaccination senator. In this case, it seeks documents stretching back to February 2021. It's an unacceptable diversion of departmental resources.

The period stretches back to the Morrison government and the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program started by that government, which has continued under the Albanese government. Vaccination is the single most important step each of us can take to minimise the risk of severe disease and death associated with COVID-19 infection. Long-term data and real-world experience continue to confirm both the safety and the efficacy of vaccines for the prevention of severe disease, hospitalisations and death from COVID-19.

The TGA closely monitors the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and has well-established and robust systems in place to capture reports of suspected adverse events. The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 128, standing in the name of Senator Antic and moved by Senator Askew, be agreed to.