Victoria's Department of Health has been asked to supply fresh documents to the hotel quarantine inquiry relating to questions over the accuracy of testimony provided by Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.
Professor Sutton told the inquiry in both a witness statement and in verbal testimony in September that he did not know private security companies were guarding quarantine hotels until he became aware of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Rydges on Swanston in late May.But several senior departmental sources say they were surprised at Professor Sutton's evidence, and have suggested he knew much earlier.
“I have not been involved in giving directions, instructions or guidance to private security contractors. As explained, prior to the outbreaks I was not aware that security guards were being used,” the Chief Health Officer said in his written submission to the inquiry.“There are a number of vulnerabilities with respect to transmission risk because of that workforce. The demographics of that workforce cohort provide for significant risks of transmission within the community.
This email was tendered to the inquiry, but neither Professor Sutton nor any other witness were questioned on its contents. March 27 was the crucial day in the program's set-up, when the initial decision was made by the national cabinet and Victoria's public servants were given 36 hours to make it operational.
“Enforcement by S&T [state and territory] governments keen for police not to babysit, but called in as needed ,” Ms Lynch wrote.that other email correspondence within DHHS involving Professor Sutton in late March and early April also referred to the use of private security.
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