Australian Experiences and Reflections on Government's Handling of the COVID-19 Crisis

Markarians grew up in Australia and holds a unique perspective on how the Australian federal government managed the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his thoughts on the government's response, the effectiveness of various measures taken, and the impact on the economy and society.

The Government's Initial Response and Backlash

Markarian recollects the early days of the pandemic in Australia and how the government initially responded in a lackadaisical manner. The Australian federal government listened to medical experts but seemed hesitant to strictly follow their advice. However, some state governments were more proactive, restricting the spread of the virus to prevent its further escalation. Morrison, the leader, succeeded in avoiding the misguided and dangerous policies of some world leaders, such as Trump's suggestion of injecting household disinfectants, and did not experience the same high death toll as the USA. However, Markarian believes the overall response was too slow and poorly managed.

He questions the integrity of mainstream media and medical professionals during the pandemic. He believes that doctors had been prescribing Ivermectin before the pandemic and knew it could have effectively combat the virus. He demands a more transparent approach and calls for a stand against censorship and complicity from these key stakeholders. He also questions the motives behind compliance with government and corporate agendas, suggesting that media outlets risk losing advertising revenue by not adhering to government directives.

The Pandemic in Retrospect: A Fair Assessment

After analyzing the events from a distance, Markarian arrives at a balanced conclusion. He acknowledges that it was impossible to predict the exact nature of the pandemic and the course it would take. While he recognizes that the government's response was flawed, he believes it was overall better than other democracies. Reflecting on the past, he states that although there are ongoing issues related to the pandemic, no one wants to discuss them openly.

State-Level Responses and Lessons Learned

He mentions that some state leaders, notably Dan Andrews, went too far in their efforts to contain the virus. Andrews was criticized for sending out a junior public servant to enforce strict measures, such as closing down 9 public housing towers, and for making late-night announcements, which disrupted regular life. Despite these criticisms, Andrews and other state leaders took proactive measures, including closing down state borders and implementing strict lockdowns, which were later validated by the success of these actions.

Markarian highlights the experience of Dr. Jeanette Young, the Health Minister in Queensland, who acted swiftly and decisively to combat the virus. Young advised the state's leadership to implement lockdowns the moment it became necessary, ensuring that the state did not face the same delays and misinformation that affected other regions.

Personal Impact and Future Prospects

The pandemic had a significant impact on many Australians, including Markarian. He lost his job in the hospitality sector and was fortunate to receive financial support through the JobKeeper program. The emergency access to Superannuation funds also provided a safety net for him during uncertain times. While the financial assistance provided some relief, the transition back to work was challenging, with the hospitality industry taking time to recover and regain public confidence.

Markarian reflects positively on the current situation. Despite initial setbacks, he is now earning more than he did before the pandemic. His hospitality business has picked up, and he is comfortable with his financial situation. His experience during the pandemic has reinforced his love for and gratitude towards his country, which provided him with steady employment and a stable life.

Conclusion

In summary, while the pandemic was a challenging time in Australia, with some setbacks and criticisms, Markarian believes that the government's response, particularly at the state level, was necessary and effective. The handling of the crisis has left lasting impressions and valuable lessons for future management of public health emergencies.