Released 09/04/2021
Vaccination Program
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination in the ACT is proceeding well. Data released by the Commonwealth Government shows that the ACT Government has administered 15,823 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines at the Garran Surge Centre.
Individuals under the age of 50 that have booked for an AstraZeneca vaccination at the Garran Surge Centre, primarily ACT Government employees who are classified under 1B of the National Vaccination rollout, will now be offered the Pfizer vaccine.
The rare, but serious side effect involving blood clotting (thrombosis) with low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia) following AstraZeneca vaccination is a concern. However, there are thousands of Canberrans that have safely received the AstraZeneca vaccination, and it still remains a very safe vaccination that is proven to prevent the very worst implications from the COVID-19 virus – particularity among the most vulnerable members of our community.
Canberrans eligible under 1B of the National Vaccination rollout should be speaking to their local GP or current healthcare practitioner about any concerns they have about the COVID-19 vaccination.
The ACT Government is working with the Commonwealth on how the vaccine will be rolled out in future stages of the National Plan.
National Women’s Summit & the Respect@Work Report
It is essential that we continue to work on a nationally consistent approach to the prevention of domestic and family violence in our community, and promote a positive culture that respects the rights of women.
The voices of women have been loud and clear – action is required to address the ongoing economic and social inequalities that face too many Australian women.
The ACT Government recognises the Respect@Work report conducted by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, and we will work with the Commonwealth on the recommendations that require cooperation with State and Territory Governments. The ACT Government will be providing our own response to this report by the end of June.
The ACT Government complies with all reporting requirements and provided the last report at the end of 2020. The ACT Government, led by the Minster for Women, will also provide the Commonwealth Government with an acquittal of the funding that has been invested in local services to support women and children experiencing or at risk of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic that was delivered under the National Partnership on COVID-19 Domestic and Family Violence Responses.
Work has begun on the ACT’s Women’s Statement that will be included in the ACT Budget 2021-22, and the ACT will participate in the forthcoming National Summit on Women’s Safety in July.
The ACT has also supported the call from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palasczszuk for a National Women’s Summit, and we look forward to participating in the summit later this year.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases