Government blocks high-risk Covid inquiry bill, ignites backlash from critics

Pharma News: The Labor Government has voted down a bill proposing the establishment of a Covid Commission of Inquiry, which would have wielded the same powers and independence as a Royal Commission.

The bill, introduced by Liberal Senator Matt Canavan and co-sponsored by Senators Malcolm Roberts, Alex Antic, Gerard Rennick, and Ralph Babet, was supported by senators critical of the nation’s pandemic response.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who won the last election on a promise of transparency and accountability, had pledged, “If you put me in the Lodge, I’ll hold a royal commission or some other form of similar inquiry.”

Professor Gigi Foster from the University of New South Wales conducted an extensive analysis of the economic, health, and social impacts of government-imposed COVID lockdowns. Her findings suggest that the costs were 68 times greater than the benefits provided. Meanwhile, a panel chaired by former bureaucrat Peter Shergold criticised the government’s response as overreaching and lacking compassion, consistency, and clarity, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Senator Babet from Victoria expressed frustration, stating, “The Prime Minister promised responsibility, accountability and transparency. But no sooner had he unpacked his bags than he gave us a weak inquiry that will provide neither responsibility nor accountability nor transparency. Australians just want the truth. When will we get it?”

He added, “A once-in-100-year pandemic demands a once-in-a-lifetime commission of inquiry.”

Senator Roberts from Queensland echoed this sentiment, asserting, “To use the words of a former Prime Minister, ‘It’s time.’ It’s time to accept our duty is to the Australian people, not to ourselves and our colleagues. It’s time for courage and for truth.”

He also expressed surprise at the resistance from health bureaucrats and politicians to a judicial inquiry, suggesting that their responses over the past four years indicate a reluctance to acknowledge any mistakes.

The senators behind the bill have vowed to continue their efforts to establish an inquiry with Royal Commission powers. Senator Babet previously championed the creation of the world-first government Excess Mortality Inquiry, which is currently underway.

An inquiry into proposed terms of reference for a Covid Royal Commission has been conducted, which may prove valuable should a Royal Commission or similar inquiry into Australia’s Covid response be eventually established.

Despite these efforts, significant opposition from the Albanese Government is anticipated.

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