TRANSCRIPT: INTERVIEW ON SUNRISE, CHANNEL 7, 22 February 2021

7:14AM

E&OE

Subjects: Australia’s Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout;

DAVID KOCH

80,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are arriving in Australia each and every week. The AstraZeneca jab is on track to be administered next month.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack joins me now, Michael, how significant is this day for Australia?

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

It’s very significant and Jane Malysiak was the first of 60,000 this week to receive the jab, David. But also importantly, I heard you mention capital cities, also rural, regional and remote and, indeed, 134 centres throughout rural and regional Australia representing 44 per cent of the locations across Australia getting that vaccine this week, so important, David.

DAVID KOCH

The Prime Minister and the Chief Medical Officer were amongst those who had their vaccines yesterday. What message is that sending to the rest of the country? They’re sort of in a no-win situation, aren’t they? If they didn't get it, you would have all the anti-vaxxers going, “Well you are using us as the guinea pigs.” And when they did get it, they are accused of jumping the queue.

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Well, as the PM said himself, “It is good to go.” The vaccine is good to go. He’s willing enough to get it then so should everybody else. As you say, no-win situation: he gets it, they say he is at the front of the queue, he doesn't get it, they say, “Well, if he doesn’t get it, why should we?” As you say, it is a difficult situation but he says it is good to go, we know it is safe, it’s been through the Therapeutic Goods Administration – world leading experts in epidemiology. And knowing that this vaccine is good for all Australians and we encourage them to get it.

DAVID KOCH

What do you say to people who are still sceptical? Even at barbecues over the weekend and even some medical people are saying, “Oh gee, they rushed this through. They cut corners. I am just going to wait and see.” What you say to that?

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Rely on the best possible medical advice. That’s what we're doing. That’s what we have done. Better to get the jab than to be in an intensive care unit bed in a few weeks’ time, breathing your last breath and wondering why you didn't do it.

DAVID KOCH

The vaccine passport, is the idea that quite rightly, it is up to you whether you get a vaccine or not.

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

That is right.

DAVID KOCH

But if you decide not to, then you could be limited in your activities. You may not be able to go to the footy or the movies.

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Or fly –

DAVID KOCH

Is that going to be the idea?

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

You may not be able to fly. I think the thing is, do it for not just yourself but for the loved ones around you. Do it for people you don't know. Do it for those elderly people who you may come into contact with. This is so important, David, it really is essential.

DAVID KOCH

So you are confirming there will be restrictions on those who don't get the vaccination?

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Well, some companies may well exercise their right to do just that. Some companies may well say, “If you don't have that vaccine, then you can't fly with us.”

DAVID KOCH

Will the Government be implementing rules along those lines?

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Well again, we will take the best possible medical advice and we’ll certainly go through state public health orders – they also have a say in the sorts of things.

DAVID KOCH

Alright, Michael McCormack, not ruling out. Thank you for your time.

MICHAEL McCORMACK 

Always a pleasure.

ENDS 7:18AM

Shane Manning