COMMITTEES

Senator KOVACIC (New South Wales) (16:18): by leave—I move: That the motion be amended to read as follows: (1) That the following matters be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the first sitting day after 30 June 2027: (a) the scale and nature of, and the circumstances relating to the collection, testing and supply of blood infected with Hepatitis C, HIV and other viruses it is known that people were exposed to, administered to thousands of Australians in the 1970s, 80s and 90s; (b) the adequacy of safety measures taken by government agencies including the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories and the role of the Australian Red Cross at the time when risks of infected blood and the Factor VIII and Factor IX blood products were recognised, including the extent to which commercial considerations influenced decisions made by those agencies; (c) the failure to implement recommendations of the 2004 Community Affairs References Committee report, Hepatitis C and the blood supply in Australia, including the issue of an apology to the victims and the need for one to be made; (d) the adequacy of government decision-making in response to the risks of infected blood including whether there was a lack of candour or openness in that response, and whether information was withheld or documents destroyed; (e) the impact on partners, children, parents and carers of those affected; (f) responsibility and compensation arising from the matters referred to in paragraph (a); and (g) any other related matters.

(2) That the committee, as part of the inquiry, consider hearing evidence at public hearings to ensure that survivors, including those who contracted Hepatitis C, HIV and other viruses through both blood transfusions and other blood products for those with blood illnesses such as haemophilia, their families and carers, are able to share their stories. Question agreed to.

Original question, as amended, agreed to.