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The findings of the COVID‐19 Response Inquiry, an independent report, which was commissioned by the Albanese government into Australia's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, were released on 29 October 2024. The independent panel, which had substantial experience in public health and economic policy, made nine guiding recommendations and 26 actions to improve Australia's preparedness to manage future public health emergencies. Following extensive stakeholder engagement, the Inquiry highlighted the loss of trust and eroded confidence in government, and emphasised the importance of rebuilding trust and resilience with populations, communities and settings that were most negatively affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and related measures. Equity was emphasised as a cornerstone for pandemic preparedness, to proactively address populations most at risk and consider existing inequities in health when developing pandemic responses. The Inquiry found that, in Australia, similar to other high and middle‐income countries, the COVID‐19 pandemic disproportionately affected priority populations through morbidity, mortality and the impact of the pandemic response measures. Priority populations were defined as those groups who experienced an inequitable burden of disease and disparities in health and economic outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These differences arise due to inequities in the social determinants of health, including education, employment, socio‐economic group, housing stability, access to health care, and experiences of racism. Individuals may also experience intersecting layers of inequity and face disproportionate impacts from pandemic response measures.

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Authors: Shanti Narayanasamy, Alisa Pedrana, Katherine B Gibney, Lisa Gibbs and Margaret E Hellard

Article Type: Perspective