Long COVID inquiry to speak with peak bodies, medical researchers and ventilation experts

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held on Monday, February 20, at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern, Melbourne, as part of the House Health Committee’s inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections.

Professor Brendan Crabb AC, the Burnet Institute’s director and chief executive, will appear to further unpack what medical researchers know so far about long COVID and repeated COVID infections.

The public hearing will also hear from peak bodies, other medical researchers and ventilation experts about the effects of long COVID and repeated COVID infections on patients, health workers and schools.

Chair of the Committee, Mike Freelander MP said, "The committee is looking forward to travelling to Melbourne to hear from organisations and researchers who have played central roles throughout the COVID pandemic.

"The committee is interested in hearing about how we may be able to reduce the risk of COVID in highly social settings such as schools, including by investigating the role of ventilation," Dr Freelander said. "We are also looking forward to speaking to peak bodies to better understand how long COVID and repeated COVID infections are impacting Australia’s primary care capability."

Deputy Chair of the Committee, Melissa McIntosh MP said, "COVID is serious, and the committee is asking for expert evidence on preventative measures and issues with multiple reinfection.

"Throughout our inquiry we have repeatedly heard about the importance of preventative strategies such as mask wearing, social distancing and ventilation. We intend to canvass these measures in more detail at this public hearing."

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and published submissions are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 20 February 2023
Time: 8.30am–5pm AEDT
Location: Cabrini Hospital Education and Training facility, 154 Wattle Road, Malvern, Victoria

Program

8.30am–9.10am: Professor Brendan Crabb AC, Director and CEO, Burnet Institute
9.10am–9.50am: Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
9.50am–10.30am: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
10.30am–11am: Break
11am–11.40am: Associate Professor Robyn Schofield, University of Melbourne
11.40am–12:20pm: Professor Lidia Morawska, Queensland University of Technology (by videoconference)
12.20pm–1.20pm: Break
1.20pm–2pm: Professor Geoff Hanmer, Director, OzSAGE
2pm–2.40pm: Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director, Australian Phenome Centre
2.40pm–3.40pm: Break
3.40pm–4.20pm: COVID Safe Schools Inc (by videoconference)
4.20pm–5pm: Australian Education Union
5pm: Close

Audio of the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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