BREAKING NEWS Turns out grossly inadequate pandemic responses, over-policing and 1984-esque lockdown restrictions do result in eroded public confidence
BY: Kartya Vucetic
“Just 187 more days and you can see your Nan again,” says Gladys Berejiklian.
This week, a federal review has found that despite initial successes, both Commonwealth and State levels of government handled the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that has ultimately led to eroded public trust and confidence.
The review was released yesterday by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It outlined nine guiding recommendations and 26 actions for change to improve Australia’s preparedness and managing of potential future epidemics.
What were the review’s conclusions?
Health Minister Mark Butler announcing the review’s findings. Image: SMH
The review acknowledged that “courageous decisions” had been made at early stages which inevitably prevented an escalating death toll. However, other necessary considerations, such as human rights, had been overlooked.
“The Inquiry is a good first step in helping to improve Australia’s response to any future pandemic, but much more needs to be done to rebuild trust,” said Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay.
The report firmly but fairly commented on the lack of transparency, fairness, compassion and proportionality in aspects of the response. And frankly, this should come as no surprise to anyone who was living in Australia during the pandemic.
Melbourne became notorious for hosting the world’s longest lockdown, reaching a spectacular 245 days. Border closures prevented loved ones from seeing each other. Vaccinations and medical facilities flailed at spiking demand. The list goes on, and there’s really no need to re-live it.
Melbourne’s lockdown was the longest in the world. Image: New York Times
“Governments could legitimately restrict certain human rights in implementing their response to COVID-19… [But] some restrictions were poorly justified in extent and/or duration, disproportionate to the risk and inconsistently applied across the country,” the report noted.
What’s been the response?
In immediate response to the review, the federal government announced it will be adopting the recommendation in favour of implementing an Australian Centre for Disease Control. This will be done in the hopes that unavoidable future pandemics will be managed in a way that is more synthesised across the country, and better communicated to citizens.
Nevertheless, the fact that this makes breaking news is astonishing. It’s no secret that both state and federal governments crossed the nanny state line during COVID-19. So it should come as no surprise that people’s willingness to comply has gone down the drain.
