Dr. Colette Bonner:

In regard to a national vaccine injury compensation scheme, an expert group was set up and has reported. However, the Department is still looking at that report and trying to decide whether to establish a vaccine injury compensation scheme or a system to deal with other adverse health care events. We believe those two things cannot be separate from one another. It is quite a complex area. We are having discussions and negotiations but to date we have not provided any legislation for a national vaccine injury compensation scheme. However, that does not mean it will not be part of our plan into the future.