Australia’s COVID-19 Response Review – Rejected – Why?
It has been almost 4 years since the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. Over that period governments around the world had a challenge to meet and made critical decisions which affected every aspect of life as we know it. As expected, not all decisions made were correct. Many people got sick, many more died and businesses collapsed and economies struggled. The total cost to the health, well-being and economy of each country affected was enormous.
This could well be the biggest event in human history, larger in scale than World War 2.
What Did We Learn From Our Response in Australia?
In any democracy, the responsibility of government officials to learn from their actions and decisions is paramount, particularly following significant events such as this. Whether responding to natural disasters, public health crises, or economic challenges, governments must systematically evaluate their performance to identify mistakes, learn from them, and implement improvements. This process, akin to mistake prevention strategies in industry, is not about assigning blame but about ensuring that governments can better serve their citizens in the future.
Why Post-Event Reviews Matter
Industries have long understood the importance of preventing repeated mistakes. They cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, where learning from errors is a fundamental practice. Maintaining a habit of reflection and accountability ensures that individuals remain vigilant against repeating errors. Governments, too, should adopt this mindset, recognising that post-event reviews are essential for responsible governance.
The Role of Accountability in Governance
Just as industry professionals rely on accountability networks to prevent mistakes, governments must establish mechanisms to hold themselves accountable. This is not about political point-scoring; it’s about ensuring that public resources are managed effectively and that mistakes are not repeated, especially when the consequences can be severe. A government that resists such reviews risks eroding public trust and undermining the principles of transparency and responsibility.
Structured Review Processes – The Key to Improvement
One effective way for governments to learn from significant events is through a structured review process, similar to the “Issues Log” used in the corporate world. This process would involve:
- Documenting Events and Decisions: A clear record of what happened, when, and why.
- Analysing Outcomes: An honest assessment of what worked and what didn’t.
- Recommending Changes: Concrete steps to correct mistakes and prevent their recurrence.
- Assigning Responsibility: Ensuring that someone is accountable for implementing these changes.
By adopting such a process, governments can systematically improve their responses to future challenges, making them more resilient and effective.
Resistance to Reviews – What It Means for Democracy
However, when the implementation of a post-event review process comes to a vote in a democratic government, some elected officials may oppose it. This resistance can reveal much about the motivations of those individuals:
- Avoidance of Accountability: Officials who vote against a review may be trying to shield themselves or their allies from scrutiny, fearing the political fallout of an honest assessment.
- Partisan Politics: Some may oppose the process because they view it as a tool for political opponents rather than a genuine effort to learn and improve.
- Philosophical Differences: Others might argue against the review on the grounds that it is unnecessary or a waste of resources, preferring to focus on other priorities.
The Implications of Opposition
When elected representatives resist the call for a post-event review, they may be prioritising their own political interests over the public good. This reluctance to engage in transparent, constructive reflection can erode public trust and hinder the government’s ability to improve its performance. In a democracy, this is not just an issue of governance—it’s an issue of accountability to the citizens.
A Call to Action – Australians, Engage with Your Representatives
As a citizen, you have the right—and the responsibility—to ensure that your government is working in your best interest. If your elected representatives have voted against a post-event review process, it’s crucial to ask them why. What are they afraid of? What do they hope to avoid? By questioning their decision, you can hold them accountable and ensure that they are committed to learning from past mistakes and improving future outcomes.
Reach out to your representatives. Ask them to explain their vote. Demand transparency and accountability. Remember, a government that resists learning from its mistakes is a government that is not fully serving its people.
COVID-19 Response Commission of Inquiry Bill 2024
On Monday 22 August, 2024 in the Australia parliament, 26 of your representatives voted NO to conducting such a post-event review. The list below is on public record of individuals who voted NO.
Conclusion – The Path to Responsible Governance
In conclusion, post-event reviews are a vital tool for any government committed to responsible governance. They are not about assigning blame but about learning and improving. When politicians vote against such a process, it’s essential to question their motives and hold them accountable. As citizens, we must demand that our government embraces a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that it can respond more effectively to future challenges.