Peter Gutwein,Premier
I will not be diverted from our plan to keep people safe whilst ensuring that we open our State sensibly and responsibly when the time is right.
There are a range of matters that are taken into account when assessing our Public Health preparedness to the risk of COVID-19.
There is the risk presented by COVID-19 in other States and territories including their proximity to, along with the movement of people from higher risk locations into them.
For example around 2500 people travel into South Australia every day from Victoria which increases the risk whilst uncontrolled transmission is occurring across the border in Victoria.
Our health system readiness to cope with an outbreak whilst continuing to provide the health services and care that Tasmanians need. We know the challenge this presents after dealing with the North West outbreak earlier this year. Right now Victoria is being supported by health professionals from all around the Country to support its hospitals and health response. If an outbreak occurred in Tasmania in coming months whilst Victoria require these resources we would not be able to cope.
We have in Tasmania an older and more vulnerable population than the rest of the nation. The virus has proven deadly especially in older Australians and ensuring our aged care facilities and older Tasmanians are safe and as fully prepared as possible is paramount. Across the country the mortality rate from COVID-19 is around 2.5% however in aged care settings in Victoria it is 26%, or one in four people have already died after contracting the disease. We have the oldest population in the country and must not let that occur here.
The rebuilding of our economy and the jobs it provides is another important consideration especially the impact of another second wave of the virus. Many businesses that have reopened would not be able to do so a second time if we had to close them again if there was a second wave like Victoria is facing. Treasury have put the economic impact of another closure at more than $500 million dollars. This would mean more business failures and more people out of work.
I understand that this is difficult for many people however I am determined to continue with our plan to keep Tasmanians safe whilst gradually opening up our economy guided by expert advice and I will continue to do what I believe are in the best interests of our State.
