As the deadline for submissions to the Australian Government's COVID-19 Response Inquiry draws near, it's critical that we, as citizens, seize this fleeting opportunity to voice our concerns and experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw unprecedented measures that, in many cases, tipped the scales toward what many felt was a near-tyrannical overreach of government authority.

Our civil liberties and freedoms, which we hold dear, were suspended under the guise of public health.

Casting a Critical Eye on the Inquiry

Firstly, it needs to be said that the aspects of the inquiry itself are troubling.

Some of its chairs have previously expressed support for the very measures that many of us found oppressive.

This apparent bias raises questions about the inquiry's ability to objectively evaluate the government's response and recommend meaningful changes.

Moreover, the inquiry's scope is notably limited, omitting a crucial element of the pandemic response: the actions taken unilaterally by state and territory governments.

These decisions, which profoundly affected our daily lives and freedoms, should be central to any comprehensive review of the pandemic response.

Their exclusion from the inquiry's scope is a glaring oversight, leaving a significant gap in the evaluation of Australia's overall handling of the crisis.

The Urgency of Your Submission

Nonetheless, this inquiry is still a chance to scrutinise and question the actions taken by governments during the pandemic.

The decisions that led to lockdowns, curfews, and mandates drastically altered our way of life, impacting everything from our basic freedoms to our economic wellbeing.

These measures, while intended to protect, have left lasting scars on our society and individual lives.

Your Voice Against Overreach

As mentioned, the inquiry's current scope and panel composition have raised concerns about its ability to fully address the depth and breadth of the issues at hand.

Crucially, actions taken unilaterally by state governments are not included.

So we're suggesting to the inquiry that a new thorough inquiry needs to be held to correct this oversight. This is where your submission becomes indispensable.

By submitting your views, you're advocating for a more thorough and unbiased examination of the pandemic response, including areas this inquiry currently overlooks.

Impact of Your Participation

Your submission is a testament to the democratic process.

It's a statement that the voices of the people matter and should be heard, especially in times of crisis.

This is about more than just reviewing the past; it's about setting a precedent for how we, as a nation, respond to future crises.

Will we allow our rights to be overshadowed by emergency measures again? Or will we stand up and demand accountability and a balanced approach that respects our freedoms?

The Weight of Your Words

Each submission, including yours, carries weight.

It's a line in the sand to the authorities that overstepped the mark, a testament to the hardships we all endured, and a plea for a more balanced and respectful approach in the future.

It's about ensuring that our government remembers that even in times of crisis, the preservation of freedom and liberty is paramount.

Act Now

The pandemic's measures have left an indelible mark on our society.

Now is the time to reflect, critique, and demand better.

As the deadline for the Inquiry looms, I urge you to take action. Use CitizenGO's submission form to send your submission.

Let's ensure that our collective voices lead to a future where our freedoms are not so easily compromised.