The main conclusion of this paper is that as a result of the huge uncertainties facing any government operating in this pandemic, policymakers must be ready to act or change course, depending on economic and public health developments. It is clear the government response to the unemployment crisis so far, welcome though it is, is...

Former Labor Leader Bill Shorten accused the federal Coalition Government of being slow to prepare for the threat of COVID-19 in residential care facilities. As COVID-19 tore through nursing homes in Victoria, he argued aged care was "a federal responsibility", rather than one that fell to state governments. Verdict: Mr Shorten's claim is a fair...

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.

As Victoria grapples with surging COVID-19 cases, sparked essentially by breaches linked to hotel quarantine, divisions have emerged between the Federal and Victorian governments over whether the Australian Defence Force offered assistance to help secure quarantine hotels in Victoria.

This policy brief addresses whether the Victorian government’s communication strategy and crisis team needs a re-think in light of recent experience.