This Special Commission of Inquiry responds to the "mishap" that was the disembarkation of passengers from the cruise ship Ruby Princess on the morning of 19 March 2020. The report finds that on the whole, New South Wales public health officials did attempt to protect the public health against COVID-19 on cruise ships.

The Whitlam Oration has become a respected platform for prominent Australians to provide serious commentary on the contemporary relevance of the Whitlam Legacy and to contribute to public debate. This Oration continues this great tradition.