The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly evolving, with concern growing as the global infection count and death toll climb. The virus has put health systems under pressure, first in China, and now in a growing list of countries. In our globalised world, the virus is a reminder that we all have an interest in ensuring health systems around the world are strong.
While the emergence of COVID-19 is a public health issue, the flow-on effects are being felt far beyond the world’s hospitals. The virus has had a relatively small impact on the health of Australians so far, but the country’s economy is taking a hit. From large sectors like tourism and higher education, to small family businesses, many are struggling to deal with the fallout from the virus.
In this new Policy Forum In Focus section, experts from Australia and its region examine the impact of the virus on public health systems, the economy, international relations, domestic politics, and beyond. We hope you find the pieces valuable, and we invite you to join the conversation.
Government and governance | The Pacific
One year on from the first case in the Pacific, there have been successes and setbacks, but to stop the spread of COVID-19 the region doesn’t just need vaccines – it needs support for public education and services for health security now and in the future, Meg Keen and Hugh McClure write.
6 minute read
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Government and governance | The Pacific
On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Quentin Grafton and Sharon Friel join Mark Kenny to discuss Australia’s vaccine rollout and dealing with the country’s ongoing healthcare challenges.
51 minute listen
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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the countries of Asia and the Pacific need to build back better, but they must do so in a way that secures the region a clean energy future, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana writes.
6 minute read
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Government and governance | The Pacific
On this Democracy Sausage, Mark Kenny discusses the state of Australia’s university sector with education policy expert Andrew Norton, head of Australia’s science and technology peak body Misha Schubert, and the father of Australia’s HECS system Bruce Chapman.
41 minute listen
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Economics and finance | Australia
The pandemic is an opportunity to rethink how the government co-ordinates monetary, fiscal, and climate policy and prepare Australia for the future, Warwick McKibbin writes.
6 minute read
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Government and governance | The Pacific
On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Mark Kenny is joined by infectious diseases expert Sanjaya Senanayake to discuss what we’ve learned about COVID-19 and handling pandemics.
43 minute listen
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Government and governance | Australia
Research shows that men are more likely than women to refuse to wear a mask as a COVID-19 precaution, revealing much about the state of gender equality, Caroline Schuster writes.
7 minute read
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Kickstart the new year by revisiting the most popular pieces of 2020, writes the Policy Forum team.
7 minute read
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Economics and finance | Australia
In some communities, unemployment that has come with the pandemic’s economic shock may stick around long after the COVID-19 recession is over, Paul Burke writes.
5 minute read
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Economics and finance | The Pacific
Rather than returning to the status quo, many are calling for a change in thinking (and in policy) as societies around the world grapple with the coronavirus crisis. One such advocate for change is global development expert David Hulme, who joins Sharon Bessell and Arnagretta Hunter for a fascinating discussion on the wellbeing economy in this instalment in our special mini-series.
66 minute listen
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