It is a race, and we’re falling behind

Like the Olympics, Australia’s fight against the virus is a competition, and we’re starting to fall badly behind, not least in terms of vaccinations.

Is the cure worse than the disease?

Lockdowns are tough on our health, but a COVID-19 outbreak would be worse, according to Aussie and international researchers who reviewed pandemic response in countries with and without lockdowns.

Australian COVID-19 research review reveals gaps in collaboration

Researchers are calling for improved national coordination of Australian COVID-19 trials, after analysis of efforts in 2020 found a lack of data sharing and collaboration left crucial research gaps.

Time for ‘stage 4’ in Sydney?

New modelling developed by the Burnet Institute suggests that stricter Stage 4 restrictions, similar to those introduced in Victoria’s second wave in 2020, will be needed to control Sydney’s current outbreak.

Restoring public trust in the fight against COVID

Australia remains locked down with a stalled vaccine rollout, while the US, UK and other countries are opening up, and public trust in the government is eroding.

The COVID blame game

The term ‘living with COVID’ heralds a transition that may ultimately see blame for cases, illness, deaths and economic damage shifted away from Government and onto the individual.

Living with COVID-19?

Sydney has been plunged into a tighter, and potentially longer lock-down to curb the spread of the Delta variant, but in the long term vaccinations will allow us to accept COVID as another endemic disease.

Do lockdowns save lives?

The argument for city-wide lockdowns rests on the lives saved outweighing the social and economic costs, and studies which dispute their efficacy should be grounded in sound methodology.

Indonesia needs help to fight COVID-19

As millions of Australians emerge from lockdowns to curb a relatively minor surge in Covid-19, Canberra should spare a thought for the much greater crisis unfolding in Indonesia.

Australia on the brink

Australia seemed to have coronavirus well contained, but a spate of recent outbreaks risk plunging the country into another round of lockdowns and restrictions.

Responsible reporting on vaccine hesitancy

Media reports on Australians’ attitudes to vaccinations should emphasise that most people intend to be vaccinated, rather than hype up the fears of a small minority.

Should we pay Australians to get vaccinated?

The incentives for Australians to get their COVID-19 vaccine are all wrong. Carrots, sticks and nudges don’t seem to be working. So, why don’t we pay people to get vaccinated?