The next global pandemic may be closer than we think, experts tell Covid-19 probe
The threat of another world-altering pandemic looms larger by the day as climate change continues to worsen.
Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson says it is “very, very likely” a similar sickness will sweep the world once again.
“We know that there are a number of viruses – other coronaviruses and so on – that are on the periphery of our communities,” he told ABC Radio on Thursday.
“It would not take much, particularly with climate change changing the ecology, (for) these things to happen again.”
As a result, he and other experts have welcomed the government’s efforts to review its response to COVID-19.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler on Thursday announced a 12-month inquiry into the pandemic, which will examine the provision of vaccines, mental health support for those impacted by COVID-19 and lockdowns, financial support, and assistance for Australians abroad.
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“It’s an incredible opportunity to learn all the lessons that we need to learn to prepare ourselves, to make ourselves a resilient community for these sorts of threats as we move forward,” Professor Robson said.
However, the inquiry has also drawn criticism for its somewhat limited scope.
It will not investigate state and territory decisions, which means many of the pandemic’s quintessential features such as lockdowns, school closures, mask mandates and the actions of premiers will not fall under the spotlight.
Victoria’s former chief health officer Brett Sutton, who is expected to be called to the inquiry, said he would be disappointed if he was not asked about lockdowns and other important issues.
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“This was a pandemic that’s killed at least 20 million people globally,” he told ABC Radio.
“There shouldn’t be shyness about asking the tough questions (about) the things that were most disruptive.”
Though Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay welcomed the inquiry generally, she said the limited scope would make it harder to improve future responses to the pandemic, and criticised the lack of an explicit focus on human rights.
“We need to ensure the rights and freedoms that were lost during the pandemic are better protected into the future,” she said.
“We need to ensure the human cost of the pandemic is properly understood so our emergency responses in the future don’t leave people or their rights behind.”
The inquiry’s panel will be headed by three experts: former NSW Department of Health director-general Robyn Kruk, Deakin University’s chair in epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett, and health economist Dr Angela Jackson.
A final report will be handed down by September 30 next year.
