The Australian government could end up paying a much smaller amount to COVID-19 vaccine injury claimants, according to the latest budget figures.
Previously the Department of Social Services (DSS) estimated the government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme could cost taxpayers $76.9 million (US$51.98 million) over the 2022-23 period.
That figure has since been revised to $28.8 million (US$19.45 million) over the 2023-24 financial year, according to the department’s Portfolio Budget Statement.
The government has so far paid out $7.3 million to 137 claimants of its Scheme.
The Scheme was launched following the roll-out of the nationwide vaccination program that saw Australia become one of the most jabbed countries in the world….