Wednesday, 18 March 2020

COVID-19

Mr HODGETT (Croydon) (10:00): The coronavirus is upon us, and this is not a time to be scoring political points. With that in mind I raise this matter today as constructive criticism to point out to the government an opportunity to take positive action and improve their preparation of the supply of medical devices. I alert the Premier to the lack of proactive planning at Health Purchasing Victoria (HPV). Fairmont Medical in Bayswater manufacture locally many of the medical devices necessary for the battle against the coronavirus. They are the only producers of filters, ventilators, circuits and oxygen tubing in Australia. You would think by now HPV would be knocking on Fairmont Medical’s door, shoring up supply of these important medical products. Sadly not.

Seventy percent of Australia’s respiratory filters are imported from Italy. Will the government wait until we run out of stocks of these important devices? It will happen. I do not profess to be an expert here; however, I am told that the government lacks any understanding of how this is going to impact the health system, and soon it will be far too late. I am informed that Fairmont Medical are gearing up and putting more workers on in anticipation of a last-minute massive rush by HPV and the government. Fairmont Medical are ramping up stockpiles of components so they can meet demand when they are urgently called upon to do so. I am also advised the company are investing in and tooling up to produce a special mask to protect healthcare workers. The mask has a better rating than an N95, and they can produce 50 000 masks a month.

We should be working together with companies like Fairmont Medical to be in the best position to respond to the coronavirus. Premier, in these challenging and uncertain times let us be aware of these facts and opportunities available to get ahead of the crisis and prepare as needed for what is required to fight and manage the coronavirus and act to protect the health of all Victorians.