COVID-19 Response in Australia: An Examination of State Responses and System Vulnerabilities

Abstract

This chapter examines Australian response systems to the COVID-19 global pandemic and how these responses impact on community outcomes, such as flourishing and distress. Most notably, this analysis focuses on the complex interrelations between policy, community, and individuals both prior to and during a major external shock or crisis. In particular, we first discuss how the nature of a given crisis such as a pandemic can create unique vulnerabilities and resiliencies within a community. We then examine how these crisis-specific vulnerabilities and resiliencies can interact with pre-existing vulnerabilities and resiliencies within a given community to determine flourishing and how vulnerabilities can be exacerbated or mitigated as a result of government and business policy decisions. Finally, we use a case study to shed light on how the interplay between policy and vulnerability can create unforeseen issues within crisis response systems, highlighting the importance of flexibility and agility in developing resilient crisis response systems that will not undermine flourishing. We conclude with a discussion of implications regarding the interconnectedness of systems and communities in times of crisis.