Tuesday, 14 October 2025


Adjournment

COVID-19


Please do not quote

Proof only

COVID-19

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (18:24): (1979) My question is to the Minister for Health. Professor Brett Sutton, Victoria’s former chief health officer, was interviewed recently by Neil Mitchell and reflected on the actions taken by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflected on the 262 days that Victoria spent in lockdown. Melbourne had one of the longest periods of lockdown of any city in the world. Given that another pandemic is expected within the next decade, the action I seek is for the government to outline the lessons learned and what, if anything, will be done differently. According to Professor Sutton, there are other ways, rather than the torturous lockdowns, to manage a similar crisis, and wiping surfaces and the use of hand sanitiser were not particularly useful. The lockdowns devastated families, impacted our young people and destroyed businesses. Reflecting on the pandemic and the insights shared by Professor Sutton, is our state prepared for a future pandemic and would the government approach it any differently? Would the government again impose lockdowns restricting people to their own homes? Would the government again impose time curfews? Would the government again restrict people from travelling a few kilometres from their home? Would the government again close the borders and restrict travel interstate? It is important that Victoria is prepared, and I ask the minister to provide an update on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s strategy should we face a similar pandemic.