Abstract
The Australian response to the coronavirus pandemic has been one of suppression through imposing tight restrictions on external borders and strict limits on social distancing and interaction. The handling of the crisis within a decentralised federal system has been generally competent and effective in flattening the curve for infections and containing the number of deaths. Political executives at the federal and state/territory levels have generally displayed commendable individual and collective leadership and made judicious use of the advice from health experts and committees. Public services have engaged in transformative behaviour in responding to crisis conditions. Australia has emerged as a low risk country.
The toughest restrictions are being relaxed incrementally with action on large gatherings now occurring, although external borders remain closed. The emphasis has been shifting from public health to economic recovery. In exiting the crisis, new debates have exposed tensions about the economic-health trade off and the position of people lacking social and employment support, and new uncertainties and anxieties have emerged about the possibility of a second wave and economic prospects in a recession.
The toughest restrictions are being relaxed incrementally with action on large gatherings now occurring, although external borders remain closed. The emphasis has been shifting from public health to economic recovery. In exiting the crisis, new debates have exposed tensions about the economic-health trade off and the position of people lacking social and employment support, and new uncertainties and anxieties have emerged about the possibility of a second wave and economic prospects in a recession.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Good Public Governance in a Global Pandemic |
Editors | Paul Joyce, Fabienne Maron, Purshottama Sivanarain Reddy |
Place of Publication | Brussels |
Publisher | Springer |
Pages | 233-243 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Volume | 33 |
Edition | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9782931003022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2021 |