COVID-19
Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (12:18): My question is to the Minister for Education in the other place. Can the minister please advise why schools have been provided with incorrect advice on the use of the air purifiers that have been provided to them? The minister announced the biggest investment in education ventilation in Australia’s history to be rolled out across Victorian schools. On the department of education’s website it provides information on the use of the 110 000 Samsung air purification devices being rolled out, stating:
maximise ventilation of indoor spaces with outside air (for example, by opening windows and doors).
…
use air purifiers in addition to maximising ventilation, rather than as a replacement, where possible.
Yet the Samsung product brochure states:
Keep the windows and doors closed whenever you can while the product is running.
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:19): I thank Dr Cumming for her question. The question will be referred to the Minister for Education, and I am sure that he will provide a response in accordance with the standing orders.
Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (12:19): Thank you, Minister. I look forward to the minister’s response. Does this improper use of the air purifiers void the warranty with Samsung, and will there be an additional cost due to the subsequent replacement of filters? The product brochure states that the filters need to be replaced every six to 12 months; however, improper use such as not operating them in controlled environments and with the windows and doors open could require increased replacement of these filters. Has this government factored that in? For me, I also understand that these products are inferior products. They are a Chinese-made product. There are better air purifiers from Europe and the USA. Could the government please explain the millions of dollars that were spent for these air purifiers? I am kind of disappointed to hear about this government purchase.
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:20): Again, I will refer the supplementary question to the Minister for Education.