Ministerial Statement

COVID-19 India

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:47): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I rise today to talk about the human tragedy that is currently unfolding in India. As members are aware, the Australian government's National Security Committee has made the decision to temporarily suspend direct flights between India and Australia due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation. I understand that this difficult decision was made to protect Australians from the risks of contracting COVID-19 from people returning to Australia from India.

I know this decision is distressing for many South Australians who are experiencing delays in family reunions, and we are all hearing stories of vulnerable Australians wanting to return home. Unfortunately, the current surge in COVID-19 cases and related deaths in India have reached unprecedented levels since the pandemic began some 18 months ago.

The situation has brought India to a crisis point, with potentially devastating impacts and serious ramifications for the global fight against this insidious disease. In recent weeks, we have watched and listened to reports of overcrowded hospitals, overwhelmed doctors and nurses, as well as oxygen supplies and other medical supplies diminishing to dangerously low levels.

Sadly, we have also learned that countries adjoining India and others in the subcontinent are also experiencing surges in COVID cases. India's health system is experiencing significant challenges. For the Indian community in South Australia, these tragic events have been deeply upsetting and personal. Some have lost relatives, friends and loved ones, while others are anxious about the health, safety and wellbeing of family.

On behalf of the government of South Australia, I offer our heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of the Republic of India and our friends in South Australia's Indian diaspora.

During the pandemic, local Indian leaders and their respective organisations have displayed outstanding resilience and provided leadership within their own community and in the wider community. They have played a critical role in sharing COVID-related information to their members at the grassroots to help ensure our state remains safe and strong. I thank them for their continuing efforts and their willingness to partner with the government.

In that same spirit of partnership and collaboration, I take pride in saying that the government of South Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with the Indian community during this incredibly difficult time and is ready to provide support, assistance and advocacy where appropriate. My department is working with SA Health to see how we can best support efforts to address the crisis in India.

We are looking at our stocks and supplies of oxygen consumables and of PPE to identify suitable products that we can donate, and we are talking to the Australian government to work out the most efficient way to get them there. I am also pleased that the Australian government will be sending an initial humanitarian support package to India. This package includes 500 ventilators and other medical supplies, such as masks, goggles, gloves and face shields, with more aid to follow.

The events in India are a sobering reminder of the human suffering this pandemic can cause and is causing. To date, Australia, and in particular South Australia, has remained safe and strong. However, as I have stated many times, this pandemic is far from being over. I call on all South Australians to remain vigilant in their own daily lives and get vaccinated when the opportunity arises.

Finally, I want to assure the Indian community that the South Australian government is closely monitoring the situation in India and will continue to support the Indian community during this sad and troubling time.