1 00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:02,640 Speaker 1: Just a little while ago that there's been an outage 2 00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:06,800 Speaker 1: of the QR code system and that QR scanning obviously 3 00:00:06,800 --> 00:00:10,080 Speaker 1: when you go into different establishments around the territory. For 4 00:00:10,200 --> 00:00:14,040 Speaker 1: some reason or another. Earlier this morning it stopped working. 5 00:00:14,080 --> 00:00:14,280 Speaker 2: Now. 6 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:18,440 Speaker 1: We found out about this because we were contacted by 7 00:00:18,440 --> 00:00:21,200 Speaker 1: one of our listeners, Joe. Joe got in contact and said, 8 00:00:21,200 --> 00:00:24,200 Speaker 1: good morning Katie. The QR scan code system is down. 9 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:27,760 Speaker 1: Apparently the government are aware of it. She since let 10 00:00:27,840 --> 00:00:29,680 Speaker 1: us know that it is back up and running, but 11 00:00:29,760 --> 00:00:32,320 Speaker 1: joining me on the line right now to tell us 12 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:34,839 Speaker 1: exactly what's going on. It is Paul Kirby, the Minister 13 00:00:34,920 --> 00:00:36,960 Speaker 1: for Small Business. Good morning to your minister. 14 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:38,000 Speaker 2: Good morning Katie. 15 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:39,280 Speaker 3: How are you not too bad? 16 00:00:39,360 --> 00:00:39,519 Speaker 2: Now? 17 00:00:39,520 --> 00:00:42,080 Speaker 1: We got that message a bit earlier from Joe who said, 18 00:00:42,080 --> 00:00:45,320 Speaker 1: good morning Katie, QR scan code system is down. 19 00:00:46,960 --> 00:00:48,360 Speaker 3: Is it back up and running now? 20 00:00:49,440 --> 00:00:52,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, certainly back up and running, Katie. It was down here. 21 00:00:52,400 --> 00:00:56,040 Speaker 2: I realized that daycare this morning that it wasn't working there. 22 00:00:56,120 --> 00:00:59,560 Speaker 2: I thought it was just limited to that premise at 23 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:03,279 Speaker 2: the time, but it turned out it was a broader outage. 24 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:05,360 Speaker 2: I don't know if it was right across the board. 25 00:01:05,360 --> 00:01:09,839 Speaker 2: I know there was trouble with some businesses and quite 26 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:12,759 Speaker 2: a lot of businesses, so whether it was right across 27 00:01:12,760 --> 00:01:16,800 Speaker 2: the board, but yeah, it was down for about forty minutes. 28 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:19,880 Speaker 2: It is back up and running now. We do know. 29 00:01:19,959 --> 00:01:23,920 Speaker 2: That's the first service interruption that that system has had 30 00:01:23,959 --> 00:01:27,360 Speaker 2: since it went live in November, and we just would 31 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:31,480 Speaker 2: really encourage people to continue using it. We've got technicians 32 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:34,080 Speaker 2: that have got it back up and running, and I've 33 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:36,160 Speaker 2: got full faith in them that they'll be doing the 34 00:01:36,160 --> 00:01:39,320 Speaker 2: best job that they can making sure that it continues 35 00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:40,840 Speaker 2: to work seamlessly into the future. 36 00:01:40,920 --> 00:01:42,840 Speaker 1: Well pleased to hear that it was back up and running. 37 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:45,480 Speaker 1: So it was back up and running within forty minutes. 38 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:46,640 Speaker 1: Do we know what happened? 39 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:51,960 Speaker 2: I'm not aware of the complete technicality, so I will 40 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:54,520 Speaker 2: follow that up during the day because I don't want 41 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:58,320 Speaker 2: to misquote anything, because when you get into to the 42 00:01:58,360 --> 00:02:01,360 Speaker 2: IT side of things, it certainly is very technical and 43 00:02:01,440 --> 00:02:03,240 Speaker 2: very important that we have the right info. So I 44 00:02:03,280 --> 00:02:05,400 Speaker 2: haven't got that in front of me at the moment 45 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 2: to know. But what I will try and chase up 46 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:10,839 Speaker 2: is exactly what the technical failure was and what we've 47 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:13,800 Speaker 2: done to make sure that it won't happen again into 48 00:02:13,840 --> 00:02:16,400 Speaker 2: the future. I have got a one eight hundred number 49 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:19,720 Speaker 2: and the business help line for people if it ever 50 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:22,040 Speaker 2: does happen again, or if people have got those non 51 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:25,400 Speaker 2: medical type of COVID questions that we did have a 52 00:02:25,400 --> 00:02:29,600 Speaker 2: lot of obviously last week, then those helplines have proved 53 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:32,079 Speaker 2: to be a big help for people wanting information. 54 00:02:32,320 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, I will get that number in just a moment. 55 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:38,200 Speaker 1: I am keen to ask, though. I mean, obviously it's 56 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:41,760 Speaker 1: not an ideal situation, following on from just getting out 57 00:02:41,840 --> 00:02:44,799 Speaker 1: of a lockdown a couple of days in to have 58 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:49,400 Speaker 1: that system stop working, I would assume that you think 59 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:52,760 Speaker 1: it's pretty unacceptable situation to be in. Like I said, 60 00:02:52,760 --> 00:02:54,120 Speaker 1: I know it was only forty minutes. 61 00:02:55,480 --> 00:02:58,520 Speaker 2: Yes, certainly. As I said, we've been up and running 62 00:02:58,760 --> 00:03:01,920 Speaker 2: since November. The chief gave a few quotes yesterday about 63 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:06,519 Speaker 2: how many millions of times that it's been used over 64 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:08,640 Speaker 2: those six or eight months. So it has proven to 65 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:12,600 Speaker 2: be really, really reliable. It is fantastic because if you 66 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:15,800 Speaker 2: go to a lot of other states. I haven't traveled 67 00:03:15,880 --> 00:03:18,840 Speaker 2: a great deal myself since COVID, but listening to other people, 68 00:03:18,840 --> 00:03:21,480 Speaker 2: if they go to Brisbane and other places, and a 69 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:24,000 Speaker 2: lot of individual businesses have got their own check in 70 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 2: codes and their own systems that don't link together, and 71 00:03:27,320 --> 00:03:29,760 Speaker 2: then obviously when you get into times like last week, 72 00:03:29,800 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 2: it's hard to trace exactly where people are. I know 73 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:34,880 Speaker 2: that that was one of the things that got us 74 00:03:34,880 --> 00:03:38,760 Speaker 2: through last week as quickly and as seamlessly as it did, 75 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:42,120 Speaker 2: because our system is generic and across the board. So 76 00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:44,680 Speaker 2: that is the first interruption that we've had that I'm 77 00:03:44,800 --> 00:03:47,600 Speaker 2: very confident that we won't have more into the future, 78 00:03:47,600 --> 00:03:50,120 Speaker 2: but I'm certainly more than happy to try and chase 79 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:53,440 Speaker 2: up some more technical info about exactly what it was. Now. 80 00:03:53,480 --> 00:03:56,200 Speaker 1: We did just get a message from Terry and it says, 81 00:03:56,760 --> 00:03:59,040 Speaker 1: if the Chief Minister and the Health Minister are truly 82 00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:02,480 Speaker 1: committed to keeping this COVID at bay, the implementation of 83 00:04:02,520 --> 00:04:06,240 Speaker 1: the Territory check in app should be mandatory for all businesses. 84 00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:09,920 Speaker 1: The scare we've just had has highlighted the importance of 85 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:14,600 Speaker 1: maximizing the ability to contact trace seamlessly. Now, I know, 86 00:04:14,760 --> 00:04:17,960 Speaker 1: like you said, some businesses do have their own systems 87 00:04:17,960 --> 00:04:20,240 Speaker 1: in terms of that contact tracing, But do we need 88 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:22,800 Speaker 1: to make this mandatory? Do we need to actually make 89 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:27,200 Speaker 1: you know the territory government checking app mandatory, so it's 90 00:04:27,360 --> 00:04:29,919 Speaker 1: easier to be able to access all of those people 91 00:04:29,920 --> 00:04:30,640 Speaker 1: when required. 92 00:04:32,120 --> 00:04:36,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think the commitments around improvements to the checking 93 00:04:36,480 --> 00:04:40,440 Speaker 2: app to make sure that you know, there were venues, 94 00:04:40,440 --> 00:04:43,279 Speaker 2: there were places there, establishments that if people were breathing 95 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:45,880 Speaker 2: in and out of that there wasn't an expectation that 96 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:49,600 Speaker 2: they needed to check in. I think those requirements are 97 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:51,640 Speaker 2: going to change. I think you will see a much 98 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:54,320 Speaker 2: heavier focus on the check in app to make sure 99 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:58,800 Speaker 2: that we can check in and can track people down. 100 00:04:58,839 --> 00:05:01,839 Speaker 2: We've seen to be able to trap the virus last 101 00:05:01,839 --> 00:05:06,799 Speaker 2: week was such a great result and certainly has helped 102 00:05:06,839 --> 00:05:08,720 Speaker 2: a lot. So it will be doing all that we 103 00:05:08,760 --> 00:05:12,719 Speaker 2: can to make sure that businesses have got that available 104 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:14,800 Speaker 2: that people do checking in, even if they're only there 105 00:05:14,839 --> 00:05:15,880 Speaker 2: for a short period of time. 106 00:05:16,040 --> 00:05:18,120 Speaker 1: So it sounds like there could be some changes afoot 107 00:05:18,240 --> 00:05:20,080 Speaker 1: when it comes to that check in to make sure 108 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:21,520 Speaker 1: that we are more stringent with it. 109 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:26,320 Speaker 2: Yeah, we'll certainly be looking for people to and actually 110 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:28,800 Speaker 2: over the weekend you could see already you could see 111 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:32,640 Speaker 2: that people were very very conscious about having their masks on. 112 00:05:32,720 --> 00:05:35,080 Speaker 2: They were completely aware that they were able to do 113 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:38,679 Speaker 2: it once they sat down. But people were really really 114 00:05:38,720 --> 00:05:42,640 Speaker 2: conscious about the new requirements and really really conscious about 115 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:46,960 Speaker 2: checking in. I called into a couple of establishments Friday afternoon. 116 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:49,960 Speaker 2: They actually had somebody doing a front of house type 117 00:05:49,960 --> 00:05:51,920 Speaker 2: of role to make sure that people didn't even come 118 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:54,640 Speaker 2: in through the front door without checking in. So yeah, 119 00:05:54,680 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 2: I think there is a much better awareness of how 120 00:05:58,720 --> 00:06:00,920 Speaker 2: good it has been to be able to to trace 121 00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:04,120 Speaker 2: people's movements when we do get into those worse the situations. 122 00:06:04,320 --> 00:06:06,680 Speaker 1: Hey, Minister Kirby, I do want to just ask you quickly, 123 00:06:06,760 --> 00:06:09,919 Speaker 1: and I'm not going to identify this business, but I 124 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:12,320 Speaker 1: think we've all probably seen now on social media this 125 00:06:12,440 --> 00:06:15,679 Speaker 1: post that went up over the weekend. Are business saying 126 00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:19,520 Speaker 1: no masks, we don't ask to our valued customers. The 127 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:22,560 Speaker 1: Northern Territory government has mandated the use of masks to 128 00:06:22,600 --> 00:06:26,040 Speaker 1: be worn for all activities, to be worn outside of 129 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:29,159 Speaker 1: your home, but please be aware if you're not wearing one, 130 00:06:29,279 --> 00:06:32,960 Speaker 1: we'll assume you are exempt, no questions asked. 131 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:35,600 Speaker 3: We don't do judgment shaming. 132 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:38,719 Speaker 1: Or discrimination here, so please know you will be warmly 133 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:41,520 Speaker 1: welcomed and respected however you show up. 134 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,000 Speaker 3: Is this appropriate in your eyes. 135 00:06:45,560 --> 00:06:49,719 Speaker 2: I'm aware of the post that went up, Katie was 136 00:06:49,760 --> 00:06:52,840 Speaker 2: a little strange to see it go up. Yeah, certainly, 137 00:06:53,320 --> 00:06:57,520 Speaker 2: we're encouraging people to wear masks, and I really think 138 00:06:57,560 --> 00:07:00,280 Speaker 2: people have been in that, like if there's people right around, 139 00:07:00,279 --> 00:07:02,200 Speaker 2: if they're jogging on their own, if they're writing push 140 00:07:02,279 --> 00:07:04,360 Speaker 2: bights and things like that, like to the letter of 141 00:07:04,400 --> 00:07:06,680 Speaker 2: the law, you know, either a meter and away a 142 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:10,000 Speaker 2: half a meter and a half away from people. But 143 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:13,000 Speaker 2: I've seen people making a really conscious effort to make 144 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:16,680 Speaker 2: sure that they are wearing masks. And my preference would 145 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:20,720 Speaker 2: be as a business to really proactively encourage people to 146 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:22,840 Speaker 2: continue to do that, because there'll only be for a 147 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:25,840 Speaker 2: short time. If everybody gets on board and we do 148 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:27,920 Speaker 2: the things that we need to do, it will only 149 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:30,600 Speaker 2: be for a short period of time. And my preference 150 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:33,320 Speaker 2: would certainly be for businesses to get on board and 151 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:36,120 Speaker 2: be proactive. And I've certainly seen that ride around town 152 00:07:36,280 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 2: over the weekend, people being really really enthusiastic, and you know, 153 00:07:40,120 --> 00:07:43,000 Speaker 2: even making a joke about you can't stand up without 154 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:44,440 Speaker 2: your mask. We've got to put it on that. 155 00:07:44,560 --> 00:07:46,280 Speaker 1: It is the law at the moment, though, Isn't it 156 00:07:46,280 --> 00:07:48,320 Speaker 1: like it is a direction of the chief Health officers. 157 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:50,400 Speaker 1: So if they're not doing it, unless they do have 158 00:07:50,440 --> 00:07:52,800 Speaker 1: an exemption, they're going to face a five thousand dollar fine. 159 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:56,120 Speaker 2: Well, and I think you've heard Jamie chalk wud be 160 00:07:56,200 --> 00:07:59,600 Speaker 2: really proactive and talk his way through that about any 161 00:07:59,600 --> 00:08:03,080 Speaker 2: comply issues that they have had that they've tried to 162 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:08,120 Speaker 2: really really proactively educate people before they get into those 163 00:08:08,200 --> 00:08:13,400 Speaker 2: situations of needing to find people or head down that path. 164 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:17,160 Speaker 2: I've certainly wanted as the first option to help educate people, 165 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:19,960 Speaker 2: and thankfully people right across the top end, and I'm 166 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:22,080 Speaker 2: sure they're doing it in our springs as well, are 167 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:24,960 Speaker 2: really doing their best to it adhere to the stipulation 168 00:08:25,160 --> 00:08:26,840 Speaker 2: so that we can get out of this as quickly 169 00:08:26,880 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 2: as we can. 170 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:29,200 Speaker 1: Paul Kirby, are you able to just let us know 171 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:31,840 Speaker 1: that number quickly for any of those listeners out there 172 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:34,520 Speaker 1: who maybe are in a business if they have a 173 00:08:34,559 --> 00:08:38,280 Speaker 1: situation again where the QR code system isn't working, or 174 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:41,400 Speaker 1: where they need some of that advice or assistance that's 175 00:08:41,480 --> 00:08:43,079 Speaker 1: not actually medically related. 176 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:46,840 Speaker 2: Certainly, Kadie, it's the hotline is one eight hundred fort 177 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:50,000 Speaker 2: nine zero four eight four, or if they want to 178 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:54,600 Speaker 2: go on to COVID nineteen dot business dot help at 179 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:58,800 Speaker 2: nt GALV dot au, but Pratts will text them through 180 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:00,960 Speaker 2: to Iroonica's been writing as well. 181 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:02,840 Speaker 3: That would be great. Thank you very much. 182 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:06,040 Speaker 1: Paul Kirby there, the Minister for Small Business, and I 183 00:09:06,160 --> 00:09:07,920 Speaker 1: tell you what, it's been a busy morning. But as 184 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:12,160 Speaker 1: you heard there around forty minutes the QR code that 185 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:16,160 Speaker 1: app wasn't working, but it has all been rectified now, 186 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:17,079 Speaker 1: which is good to hear.