State Lockdowns, Mandates Free From Scrutiny in New Federal Inquiry into Pandemic

Police arrest a man for resisting to wear a face mask on the first day of a snap lockdown in Brisbane, Australia, on Jan. 9, 2021. Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an inquiry into the federal government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking in Adelaide on the morning of Sept. 21, Mr. Albanese said the inquiry was “appropriate” as Australia prepared for future pandemics.

“We said before the election and I’ve said since, given the enormous dislocation, the stress, the loss of life, the economic impact of the pandemic—it is appropriate that when we reached a certain period, that we would have an inquiry,” Mr. Albanese said.

“We need to examine and what could be done better with a focus on the future.

A food delivery rider cycles down a deserted Murray Street mall in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 31, 2021. Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Because the health experts and the science tells us that this pandemic may well be—indeed is, not likely to be the last one that occurs.”

Mr. Albanese outlined a number of areas of review that will include key health measures like COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments; key medical supplies such as personal protective equipment and public health messaging; broader health supports for those impacted by COVID-19 and lockdowns; financial support for individuals; and support for industry and business.

States, Territories to be Exempt

But the inquiry will not examine “actions taken unilaterally by state and territory governments,” despite the fact mandates and lockdowns were implemented largely by these authorities, as well as “international programs and activities assisting foreign countries.”

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (centre) together with State Premiers Annastacia Palaszczuk (left), Daniel Andrews and former leader Gladys Berejiklian address the media in the Main Committee Room at Parliament House, in Canberra, Australia, on December 11, 2020. Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

The carve-out of state and territory authorities (many of whom were Labor governments) from the scope of the inquiry leaves much of the focus on the actions of the previous federal Coalition government and health institutions.

Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Coatsworth questioned this decision calling it “concerning.”

“‘Actions taken unilaterally by state and territory governments,’ that’s pretty much everything they did,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

In another post, he said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the inquiry should focus on issues such as vaccines and medical supplies, but noted that this had little to do with the issue of “proportionality” and whether governments went overboard with lockdowns and mandates.

Experts Appointed

The three experts appointed to head the inquiry are Robin Kruck AO, an expert in public service; Professor Catherine Bennett, an epidemiologist; and Dr. Angela Jackson, a health economist.

The independent panel is expected to hand in its report by September 2024.

Mr. Albanese said that the COVID-19 pandemic has been the “most significant global crisis” in decades with its impacts still felt throughout the country.

“This Inquiry will look at the government’s responses and will give advice on what worked, what didn’t, and what we can do in the future to best protect Australians from the worst of any future events,” he said.

Addressing the media alongside Mr. Albanese was federal health minister Mark Butler, who said the “collective expertise” of the panel will look into “all aspects of Australia’s response” and has encouraged Australians to contribute to the conversation about what Australia “might have done differently.”

Albanese Says ‘No One Promised a Royal Commission’

The inquiry is not a royal commission, which would have taken longer to complete, the PM said. Labor had promised a royal commission when it was in opposition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference in Manila, Philippines, Sept 8, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“One of the things we’ve learned about Royal Commissions is that they can roll on and on and on for year after year after year,” he said.

Mr. Albanese said his government had not promised a royal commission.

“I see the attempt by the Coalition to somehow say that that is the case,” he said, adding that the inquiry will look into the economic, health impacts and governance issues.

Opposition Warns Against ‘Witch Hunt’

Meanwhile, opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston warned that an inquiry without the power to compel state and territory leaders would be a waste of time.

“It’s a protection racket for the states and territories and potentially a witch hunt on the previous Coalition government,” Ms. Ruston told Adelaide radio station 5AA on Sept. 21.

“So many of the decisions that impacted Australians so significantly during the pandemic were decisions of the states and territories,” she said, adding that it’s important the inquiry does not become a “witch-hunt” against the former Morrison government.

“With the value of hindsight, I’m sure that there are going to be many things that we will learn that we could have done better,” she told ABC TV on Sept. 21.

“We’re more than happy to have some light shone on those because we do need to make sure that Australia is as prepared as it can be should there be a future pandemic.

“But we also need to make sure that all aspects of the pandemic are covered.”

Meanwhile, Senator Penny Wong has announced $100 million for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support global efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to any future pandemic.