Coronavirus Australia: Government spends $8.3m on ‘stop the spread’ campaign

Text messages, fact sheets and advertising the key planks of the Morrison government’s ramped-up coronavirus public awareness campaign.

The Australian government's text message to citizens.

The public awareness campaign responding to the social and health impacts of COVID-19 has been ramped up by the Morrison government, which has spent almost $8.3 million on communications advice, advertising and distribution of fact sheets.

Text messages were sent to mobile phones across Australia on Wednesday as part of a targeted public safety strategy, warning people to “stop the spread” and stay 1.5m from others.

Scott Morrison urged Australians to “listen and act so we can save lives” as the government expanded its communications plan to push out key messages.

Leading communications firms, printing companies and advertising agencies have been engaged by the Department of Health to support its public awareness campaign, including the printing and distribution of COVID-19 factsheets for travellers and airlines.

The Australian Government is sending an official text message to mobile phones across Australia.

Please read and act #COVID19 #coronavirusaustralia pic.twitter.com/dVmks19wL4

— Australian Government (@ausgov) March 24, 2020

The government is also seeking support for the supply of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for coronavirus sample collections and analysis of Australia’s domestic production capability for medical personal protective equipment.

The Department of Industry is mapping domestic production capability of medical PPE and is seeking information on what could be further done in relation to surgical gowns, gloves, goggles, hand sanitisers, blood and fluid spill kits, mask fit test kits and thermometers.

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear workers’ union on Wednesday called on the government to deploy manufacturing workers into producing critical medical supplies and PPE.

Jenny Kruschel of the TCF. Picture: Phillip Stubbs

TCF sector secretary Jenny Kruschel said local manufacturers had indicated to the union they could save jobs by transitioning their production to in-demand items, including surgical gowns, face masks and clinical waste bags.

Ms Kruschel said the department’s request for information needed to be progressed quickly.

“In order for jobs to be saved, all the government needs to do is provide local manufacturers the specifications and orders and production can immediately start,” Ms Kruschel said.

“Using existing TCF supply chains, capabilities, skills and manufacturers’ expertise is the most efficient and effective way to deliver these vital supplies, allowing medical professionals to get on with their jobs and if done right it will save jobs.

“It should be a no-brainer and we are hoping common sense will prevail and these businesses and workers will be given the opportunity to deliver these orders.”

The union said it had been in contact with the Commonwealth and state governments to confirm their growing requirements for medical supplies and PPE.

Bob Katter. Picture: AAP

North Queensland MP Bob Katter said when parliament resumed in August, he would move to establish an inquiry into what essential services were not available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That includes everything from parts for water and sewage pumps, call centres for the banks, airlines and insurance companies and as mentioned earlier vital medical equipment,” Mr Katter said.

“The chickens are coming home to roost; we’ve even seen photos of baby formula being shipped from Australia to China when Australian mothers can’t buy it in our supermarkets for their own kids.”

Since February, the government has finalised urgent contracts valued up to $12m to deliver medical supplies and logistic support in response to coronavirus.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – through its Australian aid program – has engaged Palladium International on a $1.787m contract to support the Commonwealth response to COVID-19.

As part of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission management of coronavirus, ASIC has purchased pulse secure additional perpetual licenses from Dialog valued at $128,700.