The recent second report from the United Kingdom’s COVID-19 Inquiry highlights significant shortcomings in the UK’s pandemic response, particularly under the leadership of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The inquiry criticizes a “toxic and chaotic culture” that hampered timely action on lockdowns and misled the public regarding the pandemic. This contrasts sharply with Australia’s approach, which has faced scrutiny for lacking a comprehensive inquiry into its response.
The UK inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, a retired British judge, wields statutory investigation powers and covers all parts of the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its mandate allows for a thorough review of the decision-making processes and the overall impact of the pandemic. This stands in stark contrast to Australia’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry, which lacks similar powers and the ability to protect witnesses.
The absence of a formal royal commission in Australia has drawn criticism, particularly given the significant decisions made by state governments regarding lockdowns, border closures, and school policies. Many of these decisions were taken with limited evidence and often contradicted agreements reached at the National Cabinet.
Delays in establishing the inquiry, which was only appointed in September 2023, sixteen months after the Albanese government took office, have raised suspicions. Critics argue that this timeline served to divert attention from the actions of the previous Morrison administration and shield the Labor-led states from scrutiny, particularly the Victorian ALP Andrews government, which faced elections in November 2022.
Despite its limited terms of reference, the Australian COVID-19 Response Inquiry acknowledged several critical issues surrounding the pandemic response. It even commended some actions taken by the Morrison government. Nonetheless, many believe it should have delved deeper into the state’s decisions and the ramifications of those choices.
The Hallett Inquiry emphasizes the importance of legal processes in investigations, stating that inquiries lacking the power to compel evidence do not achieve the same depth as its ongoing examination. The UK inquiry promises to release further reports over several years, addressing key areas such as healthcare systems, vaccine distribution, and economic responses.
The value of these inquiries extends beyond simply determining what went wrong during the pandemic. They aim to ensure that lessons are learned for future crises. The necessity for such introspection was highlighted by the Senate COVID inquiry, chaired by Labor senator Katy Gallagher, which recommended in April 2022 the establishment of a royal commission to examine Australia’s pandemic response in preparation for future public health challenges.
In conclusion, while the UK is actively pursuing accountability through a robust inquiry, Australia has missed a crucial opportunity to fully investigate its pandemic response. The complexities of its federal system should not overshadow the need for transparency and accountability in governance, especially when it comes to the health and safety of its citizens.
