Australia's allocation of eight thousand vaccines, personal protective equipment and medical specialists to stem the Papua New Guinea COVID outbreak is an intelligent and humane forward defence against the spread of the pandemic on our northern border.
The Prime Minister has today also ordered that one million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines Australia has already contracted, be released by European authorities to help drive vaccination in PNG which is in desperate need, and other Pacific neighbours.
"Bold, swift action is necessary in a pandemic and today the Australian Government has stepped up," said Reverend Tim Costello for the End COVID For All campaign. "This package will save lives, prevent health systems being overwhelmed and slow the spread of COVID on our northern doorstep.
"This is humane, but it is also smart. Only four kilometres separate Australia and Papua New Guinea and COVID does not respect borders. Stopping it at the source of the outbreak makes far greater sense than waiting for it to make its way into Australia and then reimposing lock downs and other restrictions.
"It is reaffirming to know that this threat is recognised across the political spectrum, as is the need for a bold response.
"I know the Australian public to be compassionate, kind and fast-acting when our neighbours are in deep need. This is the crisis of our generation, and this response is Australia at its best."
Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia said the partnership with PNG would help alleviate the crisis. Of the 500 most recent COVID swabs taken in PNG, 250 came back positive.
"Churches, charities and Australian businesses in PNG are watching this outbreak happen around them. They are desperate to help, and understand the local people and environment,"
"Bolstering the ground effort of the PNG health system is absolutely critical. The resources the Australian Government has announced will make an immediate difference where it matters.
"Swift action saves lives, as we have seen since the start of this pandemic. This package both responds to the immediate crisis but also lays foundations for an enduring COVID containment effort across our region. The Government has made an important stride forward and that deserves recognition."
