The inquiry into Victoria’s hotel quarantine has heard the failed system is to blame for the deadly second wave which resulted in 768 deaths.
Counsel assisting the inquiry Ben Ihle said “The failure by the hotel quarantine program to contain this virus is today responsible for the deaths of 768 people and the infection of some 18,490”.
Final submissions detail how an absence of health experts in key roles meant there was an initial focus on the logistics of the scheme rather than keeping the community and those in quarantine safe.
The counsel assisting also suggested private security guards were the wrong people for frontline enforcement at hotels.
The inquiry heard this led to private security companies being used to man hotels, but the role evolved to include tasks like delivering food and shopping for toys.
It also heard the decision to not use Australian Defence Force personnel was appropriate, and evidence shows offers weren’t brought to Premier Daniel Andrews’ attention.
The final report will be delivered in November.
