QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Dr SCAMPS (Mackellar) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Health and Aged Care. The former director-general of the American Centers for Disease Control, Dr Susan Monarez, testified that she was illegally sacked from the role by the US secretary for health for refusing to fire top scientists at the agency or to pre-approve changes to vaccine advice without evaluating the evidence.

In her place, the health secretary's own deputy has been inserted into the role. Minister, will the Australian CDC be safeguarded from political interference by ensuring that its director-general is appointed from a shortlist determined by an independent selection panel?