The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global challenge, and Australia, like many other nations, has had to navigate the turbulent waters of public health crises, economic disruptions, and societal changes. As the country emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, it’s essential to reflect on the lessons learned and how the country can better prepare for future emergencies, particularly with a focus on safeguarding human rights.
During the pandemic, Australians experienced a range of emergency measures, from lockdowns and travel restrictions to quarantine mandates and contact tracing. These measures, while aimed at protecting public health, also raised significant concerns about the balance between individual freedoms and collective safety.
A new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) titled Collateral Damage: What the untold stories of the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about human rights in Australia sheds light on the unintended consequences of these measures and the significant impact they had on the human rights of Australians.
This comprehensive study involved a multi-phase research project that included a quantitative survey of over 3,000 Australians, an online story submission portal that received more than 2,300 contributions, and 56 targeted stakeholder interviews and workshops.
According to the findings of this report, one of the key takeaways from the pandemic is the importance of transparency and clear communication from government authorities. Australians over 50, who are often more vulnerable to health crises, particularly valued accurate and timely information that allowed them to make informed decisions about their safety.
Ensuring that future emergency responses are accompanied by clear, evidence-based communication will be crucial in maintaining public trust and compliance.
Another lesson is the need for robust emergency response frameworks that clearly define the scope and limits of emergency powers. The proposed Emergency Response Framework is built around seven guiding principles, including prioritising human rights, meaningful consultation with communities, proportionate responses, balancing risk with compassion, tailored communication, empowering local communities, and planning beyond the crisis.
The pandemic also underscored the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society—older Australians, Indigenous communities, and those with disabilities. Future emergency planning must include targeted support for these groups to ensure that their rights and well-being are not sidelined.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, Australia has the opportunity to lead by example in the Asia-Pacific region by developing a human rights-based approach to emergency management. This approach would integrate human rights considerations into every stage of emergency planning, response, and recovery, ensuring that measures are lawful, necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory.
As you look to the future, it’s clear that the next crisis could be just around the corner, whether it be another pandemic, a natural disaster, or a different kind of emergency altogether. By learning from the COVID-19 experience, Australia can strengthen its resilience and commitment to human rights, ensuring that when the next crisis hits, the country is better prepared.
We invite you, our YourLifeChoices readers, to share their thoughts and experiences. What changes would you like to see in how Australia prepares for and responds to emergencies? Your insights are valuable.
Also read: Why are we seeing more pandemics?
