Lack of Medical Advice Behind Victoria’s 5 Km Radius and Curfew During COVID-19 Inquiry, States Hunt
Former Health Minister Greg Hunt recommended that states should not go against national cabinet decisions unless there is official medical advice published and signed.
According to Greg Hunt, Victoria’s decision to enforce a 5-kilometre radius and curfew during COVID-19 was contrary to medical advice.
Mr. Hunt criticized the unilateral actions of some states in his submission to the COVID-19 inquiry.
He stated that social distancing measures were initially coordinated by the national cabinet but were later implemented independently by some states.
Mr. Hunt mentioned that curfews and movement restrictions were not based on federal or state-level medical advice.
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“States should not independently enforce decisions that go against the guidelines set by the national cabinet unless there is substantiated medical advice to the contrary,” Mr. Hunt stated.
He recommended that all states should disclose and adhere to medical advice in any future health crisis.
Mr. Hunt proposed that a uniform national code for pandemic management be established, mandating the publication of medical advice for any restrictive measures.
He also suggested that a Memorandum of Understanding be drafted between the Commonwealth and the States to uphold the continuous use of the National Cabinet for future pandemic management.
Reflection on the Curfew
During the prolonged lockdown period, then Premier Daniel Andrews introduced a 5 km radius and curfew in 2020 and 2021.
The first curfew, implemented in 2020, was from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., while the second curfew in 2021 was from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m..
Mr. Andrews emphasized that these restrictions were put in place for a reason, despite the challenges they posed to Victorians.
“Although these decisions were difficult, they were necessary. By following them collectively, we can expedite the lifting of these restrictions,” Mr. Andrews commented at the time.
Additional Points by Greg Hunt
The submission date was April 23, covering various topics such as border closures, testing, tracing, social distancing, aged care capacity, and vaccination.
Mr. Hunt claimed that Australia effectively balanced minimizing loss of life and sustaining livelihoods during the pandemic, with a rise in life expectancy compared to a global average decline.
“Australia’s pandemic response resulted in one of the lowest mortality rates, high vaccination rates of 98 percent for over 18-year-olds, and a resilient economy,” Mr. Hunt added.
Regarding border closures, Mr. Hunt highlighted the early decision to close the border with China as a significant action with far-reaching consequences.
He credited this decision, along with subsequent measures, as instrumental in saving lives, facilitating vaccinations, and enhancing healthcare capacity.
Mr. Hunt praised the decision to manufacture vaccines locally as a crucial step during the pandemic, noting high vaccination rates in aged care facilities.
Although AstraZeneca globally withdrew its vaccine, Mr. Hunt emphasized the success of vaccination efforts in Australia.
In his submission, Mr. Hunt included a comprehensive set of materials for potential future reference, expressing gratitude to his colleagues and family for their support throughout the crisis.
