Official Speech Covid-19

NGALAN MURRUMU OF WALUBARA MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE OFFICIAL SPEECH The Covid-19 crisis has tested the very best of the world's health systems. The Yidindji nation while still developing our health delivery service is now about to embark on an important journey and one that will have a profound impact on the war against Covid-19.

While it is not mandatory for Yidindji citizens to receive a Covid-19 vaccine; I have spoken with the Health Minister the Hon. Arela of Djabugai, and we are both strongly encouraging all persons on the Yidindji territory to register interest in undertaking the vaccines.

There are a number of issues that is making our roll out of the vaccination program a little slower than other jurisdictions, however, the focus on controlling the pandemic on our soil and any additional protective behaviours, is solid and this must be done in accord with the customs & traditions of the Yidindji nation, and indeed with cultural sensitivity.

The Health Minister will be appointing a medical officer that will be overseeing the important vaccination program, this will be the very first under a Yidindji government.

There are 3 main points that we would like to convey today. They are: • • •

sourcing sufficient vaccine stock; vaccine records for Yidindji persons; and cross border data sharing of vaccine records

Let's address the first point; as Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, I am currently negotiating to obtain sufficient vaccine supply from the Commonwealth of Australia; although our numbers are not exact at this stage, we are looking at the first intake of the vaccine process to number around 10 persons, we are trying to source the appropriate vaccines that are in the international health sector; if we cannot source those vaccines from the Commonwealth of Australia then other UN member states will be invited to deal with our government.

The second point is the administering of the vaccination process and recording the personal details of each citizen. Once the medical officer has been appointed by the health minister, any future vaccination records will be provided to the department and will be made available with the citizen's consent to be displayed on a digital identification program, that will be accessible via a digital wallet.

This brings about the third point which is cross border data sharing of those records. At this stage the official records will be shared with selected international actors, at first these maybe provided online via a portal, however in the foreseeable future these details will be made available via block chain technology, with the consent of the vaccinated.

It is important to note that some men & women who hold Yidindji citizenship also hold Australian citizenship.

This is why we are creating a digital identification system that enables a cross border recognition of the vaccination details of the Yidindji person.

This in turn will,for example this will be at a standard consistent set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, to assist with passenger movement.

The Yidindji nation will also offer specific information to the Commonwealth of Australia so it may tick off any vaccination requirements and or obligations on the record of the Australian person.

This means one vaccination will be recorded and shared between those jurisdictions.

Once again I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for Health Arela of Djabugai in working hard behind the scenes to make this matter a priority for the Yidindji nation and the Commonwealth.

END OF STATEMENT Wednesday the 15th day of December 2021.