This report tells the stories of Australians who were impacted by Australia's COVID-19 pandemic response measures and asks how human rights can be better safeguarded during future emergencies. The report recommends that all levels of government in Australia adopt an Emergency Response Framework underpinned by key principles designed to protect human rights.

The Inquiry found that addressing the social and economic impacts of pandemics requires policies that promote equity and protect the vulnerable, and recommends restructuring governance so a central agency can coordinate future pandemic preparedness. Based on its analysis, the report offers 39 recommendations to strengthen pandemic preparedness.

This inquiry reviewed the Commonwealth Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to identify lessons learned to improve Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics. The inquiry heard a recognition that Australia was one of the most successful countries in its pandemic response and yet, like other countries, was not adequately prepared for a pandemic.

This performance audit of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework is undertaken to provide assurance to Parliament over processes to identify and disseminate lessons learnt, and on the readiness of government systems and processes to respond to future crises including pandemics, natural disasters, terrorism, and cyber incidents.

This report summarises discussions at roundtables which brought together key stakeholders from a range of First Nations organisations across Australia to discuss the experiences of First Nations people during the pandemic.