The shortfall of social housing has built up over decades. Even after the building program is complete, the gap between housing supply and the numbers on waiting lists will still be huge.
While Chief Scientist Alan Finkel’s review of contact tracing only briefly mentions digital methods, it’s crucial Australia invests in an automated system.
The evidence about how COVID spreads, taken with the lack of transmission in Victoria, is cause for a rethink. A sensible approach may be to keep masks mandatory indoors – but to relax the rules outside.
Justice Jennifer Coate’s first report into the bungled hotel quarantine in Victoria maps out how processes can be changed to make sure it never happens again.
A designated coronavirus hospital would relieve pressure on the state’s health-care system and minimise the spread of the virus, but there are a few things to consider.
It’s important patients taking prescribed medicinal cannabis products are not unduly penalised. But it’s equally important we minimise the chance drivers put themselves or other road users at risk.
There is cause for optimism. But now the pendulum swings towards individuals taking responsibility for managing risks, rather than government telling you what you can and can’t do.
How does Victoria’s response to a second COVID-19 wave compare internationally? Very favourably - only a handful of other jurisdictions have enjoyed anything like the same level of effectiveness.
The government has boosted funding for mental health services in light of the pandemic. But will these extra services get to where they are most needed?
A previous version of Melbourne’s COVID roadmap flagged an exclusive bubble between two households. The new plan allows residents to have two adult visitors per day, which is far riskier.
Melbourne could be out of lockdown within a week, if COVID-19 case numbers continue their current trend. But blanket rules such as the new 25km travel radius risk unnecessarily burdening the public.
Coronavirus has dealt a blow to the already overburdened Victorian criminal court system, meaning hundreds — if not more — face extensive delays for their day in court.
Despite obvious bungles, the Andrews government still enjoys the support of most Victorians. However, the real test may come in how well it navigates the economic fallout from the COVID pandemic.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne