The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across Australia’s immediate region is still unfolding. This guide represents a snapshot of the situation as at early June 2020.

By drawing parallels to elections, climate change and the anti-vaccination movement, this report illustrates how disinformation about COVID-19 can pose significant risks for public health, social cohesion and collective trust.

While many governments already do rely on public health experts for advice and public messaging in health policy-making, studies such as this one provide experimentally validated evidence for the efficacy of involving trusted sources in health policy development, as well as public communication about health-saving behaviours.

Focusing on the economic impacts of COVID-19 on Māori, the report explores the challenges and opportunities for Māori in the new work order.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents both opportunities and challenges to private health insurers, with short-term and long-term impacts and questions being raised about its role and relevance during this time.