PRESS RELEASE: It’s time to give a damn
Australian federal and state governments have consistently reinforced during COVID “we’re all in this together.” Perhaps not. In response to a journalist’s comments about difficulties Melbourne had faced in containing COVID, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was quoted in a major Sunday paper that “in country areas we couldn’t give a shit. We’ve got record exports of coal. Record exports of beef. But we look at Melbourne, and go, you can almost smell the burning flesh from here.” Them against us divides Australians.
Australia’s vaccine roll-out is “not a race” according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Just 10.9% of Australians are fully vaccinated as at 17 July 2021. The highly transmissible delta variant is a significant political, social, economic and health concern, while Australia maintains an elimination strategy to protect a largely unvaccinated population and has to impose ongoing lockdowns to manage its outbreaks. More than 12 million Australians are currently in lockdown to contain a delta outbreak in New South Wales and Victoria.
Perennial politics of tribalism, self-interest and dichotomy are not helping our response to COVID – politically bungled vaccine roll-out, serial lockdowns, hotel quarantine breaches and federal versus state parochialism. Some Australians are significantly more impacted than others. They’re doing it tough. Small businesses are struggling. Mental health is adversely impacted. Australia’s COVID response management is as strong as its weakest links. More than ever, Australian communities need to support one another. Leadership and social solidarity.
Intergenerational challenges facing Australians are enormous, including burgeoning debt and deficit, sustainable living, housing and economic development, best practice water and waste management, land degradation and clearing, decreasing biodiversity, extreme weather, predicted pandemics and geopolitical instability. The federal government’s 2021 intergenerational report forecasted Australia’s population will increase from 25.7 to 38.8 million in 2060-61. Globally, 7.9 to 10.9 billion by 2100.
Scientific consensus is humanity’s impact on itself and the blue planet is on an increasing trajectory. The problems are alarming, coming at an increased rate and becoming inordinately expensive. Sir David Attenborough recently warned G7 leaders in Cornwall that humans may be on the “verge of destabilising the entire planet.” It may seem amusing to some Australians, that is until you’re it. Your life, health, family, home or work.
Australia needs leadership that unites rather than divides, to ensure a smooth transition and safeguard all citizens. Politics of division, derision and diminution are unlikely to overcome long-term challenges that lay ahead.
Dr Michael Walton, Clinical Psychologist, Newcastle, New South Wales
