In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia imposed some of the strictest measures in the western world. The restrictions dramatically changed every aspect of society and human dynamics and engagement. This resulted in the fracturing of social cohesion and a reduction in human flourishing.

This report assesses the harm caused as a direct result of COVID-19 restrictions by using key measures of life lost, life expectancy and economic costs. 

Key findings:

• The direct economic, fiscal and inflationary cost of pandemic measures stand at $938.4 billion at the end of the 2021-22 financial year.
• Students have suffered significant setbacks, particularly in Victoria where Year 9 students reading and numeracy skills have fallen behind by 12 weeks and 17 weeks, respectively.
• The costs of joblessness and not working on life expectancy as a result for the first nationwide lockdowns in March and April 2020 were 31 times greater than the maximum possible benefits of all lockdowns.