A recent report by the Australian Human Rights Commission has highlighted significant shortcomings in Australia’s COVID-19 response.
The report, based on the experiences of 5,000 Australians affected by border closures, school disruptions, vaccine mandates, lockdowns, quarantine, and other health restrictions, paints a troubling picture of the pandemic’s impact.
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Among the distressing accounts, the report details a series of indices, including a woman compelled to give birth alone after her husband was denied hospital entry, preventing him from holding their stillborn son.
It also included an individual donning a suit to attend his father’s funeral via video call from his kitchen.
Other two incidents revealed in the report include an ovarian cancer patient barred from consulting her surgeon due to state border closures, and a domestic violence victim isolated with her abuser as support networks were inaccessible.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay acknowledged that while Australia’s pandemic measures saved lives, they came at a profound human cost.
“We heard devastating stories of severe economic hardship, families unable to say goodbye to loved ones, women trapped in violent households, and communities left isolated due to blanket policies that failed to consider local realities.”
The report also noted that individuals with disabilities, First Nations Australians, and migrant communities faced significant barriers to accessing essential services and information.
“These experiences should never be ignored or repeated.”
Experts urged for a comprehensive plan for a similar outbreak, warning that Australia remains “grossly unprepared” for future health emergencies.
Terry Slevin of the Public Health Association of Australia stressed the urgency of establishing a permanent, well-resourced Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to manage potential crises effectively.
“Many fear we are less, not more prepared for a similar outbreak should it occur now.”
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