The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, established in March, will shift its focus to economic recovery, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday.
Morrison said the COVID-19 Coordination Commission will be rebranded as the National COVID-19 Commission (NCC) Advisory Board and move into a “new mode” with a broadened membership representing the business sector and an advisory role to cabinet.
“While the health response continues to be of the utmost importance in managing outbreaks as they arise, we have to continue our focus on recovery and reform,” he said on Monday.
“I have asked the commission to concentrate its efforts and business expertise on providing advice on what more could be done to create as many jobs as quickly as possible to accelerate Australia’s economic recovery.”
Morrison said the COVID commission won’t be an external agency, it will work within government and will form part of the deliberative processes … through the expenditure review process, through the cabinet process.”
The transition marks a shift away from the commission’s initial problem-solving focus on sourcing protective equipment, ensuring testing, addressing supply issues, and dealing with IR issues to help businesses stay open, with the new body to provide a more strategic advisory role. The commission will continue to be led by current chair, Nev Power.
“When I announced the establishment of the commission, I said its key task was to fix problems. It has certainly done that – from sourcing personal protective equipment and helping address supply chain challenges to ensuring businesses have the tools to stay open or to reopen safely,” Morrison said.
“Under the leadership of Nev Power as chair, the commission will continue to work closely with business leaders and key industry sectors, focusing on areas where we can make the most gains, most quickly.”
The new board will include Mike Hirst, Samantha Hogg, Su McCluskey, Bao Hoang, Laura Berry and Paul Howes. They join existing members Jane Halton, Paul Little and David Thodey. Greg Combet and Catherine Tanna will not continue on the commission.
“As we move into this phase we’ll be very focused on recovery of the economy.”
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