Coronavirus

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:41): A supplementary: the minister mentioned that one of the reasons for this tele hook-up was to ensure that states were not bidding against each other. Where there are disagreements around the supply of equipment or materials, how will these be addressed and how will priorities be allocated?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, before you answer the question: the Hon. Ms Scriven, you just ask a supplementary question. There is no explanation, you don't go into detail, you just ask the question. Minister for Trade and Investment.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:42): I am relatively confident that this process will make sure that we get the maximum amount of equipment, whatever it is, to the people who need it at the appropriate time. Certainly, there was no discussion around prioritisation of one state over another. This was about, from an industry point of view and a supply and manufacturing point of view, making sure we get the absolute best performance out of local manufacturing and, if we do have to import various bits and pieces from overseas, that we don't compete, that we actually get them here so that the Australian people can benefit from them.