PREMIER of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian has offered a public apology to those affected by the Ruby Princess coronavirus cluster.

Back in March, a number of COVID-affected passengers were allowed to disembark upon arrival in Sydney, spreading the virus in the community.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaks to the media following the release of a report by Bret Walker SC. Credit: YouTube and SkyNews

An inquiry led by Bret Walker SC has scrutinised the role of government agencies and produced a report, identifying errors by New South Wales Health.

Speaking to the media in Sydney, the Premier thanked Mr Walker for “the very comprehensive report”.

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“I want to thank him and his team provided in his comprehensive report which I can confirm I read in full over the weekend,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I now apologise unreservedly for anybody who suffered as a result of the mistakes that were outlined in the report taken by individuals within the Health Department or the Health Agency.

“I extend that apology unreservedly, in particular to the 62 people who got the virus in secondary or tertiary ways – 62 people who weren’t on the ship but somehow contracted the virus as a consequence of that disembarkation,” she said.

“I want to apologise unreservedly to anyone who continues to suffer or who has suffered unimaginable loss because of mistakes that were made within our health agencies.”