Probe on links to hotels

AN inquiry into Victoria’s bungled hotel quarantine program will probe the possibility that every coronavirus case currently in circulation can be linked to the trouble-plagued operation.

The first public hearing of the Hotel Quarantine Inquiry on Monday was told of the possibility all current cases of coronavirus could be linked to outbreaks from hotels.

“Information already available to the inquiry suggests the possibility of a link between many of the cases of coronavirus identified in the Victorian community in the past few weeks, and persons who were quarantined under the hotel quarantine program,” counsel assisting Tony Neal, QC, said.

Key decision-makers responsible for the program will be called to testify, with Justice Jennifer Coate saying she expected “no less than full, frank and timely co-operation from all government entities and persons to enable me to do my job for the people of Victoria”.

The inquiry now continues gathering evidence ahead of the next scheduled public hearing on August 6, when the first witness is expected.

The $3m inquiry was launched to probe serious failings of the quarantine program that is believed to have caused Victoria’s second wave.

The suitability of contractors hired to run the program, and how they were chosen, will be key issues examined.

Dozens of contractors and government agencies have already been put on notice and asked to submit responses.

Mr Neal said notices to produce documents had also been issued to government agencies and private companies.

A report is due to be ready by September 25.