THREAD: This is kind of not really relevant, but sort of is. In 2017, when I was at Harvard Kennedy School of Govt, I was 1/60 Emerging Global Leaders* locked in a room as a human experiment. The task was to not leave until we solved a world crisis.
The crisis was a pandemic.
The crisis was a pandemic.
At the roll of a dice, we were split into countries and forced to design our nations: democracy, dictatorship, monarchy?
At the roll of a dice, we were assigned the population of our nation: 1mil, 10mil, 300mil etc.
At the roll of a dice, we had to make decisions on behalf of our country according to the makeup of the governance of our nation and population.
Once our nations were constructed; we were locked another room, the country where the pandemic outbreak occurred was identified. The only rule was to contain the outbreak and flattery the curb.
Each nation had a certain budget and resources like health, education, business, media; but it was up to each government to make fast decisions in the interests its citizens. What resources would be sacrificed and what resources would be spared?
We were told the crisis was able to be cracked if Governments were able to make hard decisions and have the trust of its citizens. (Note: Of course, this was only a simulation).
It is terrifying to see this now play out in reality. Australia is too slow in making critical decisions, reactionary not proactive. No clear health communication on the pandemic and citizens have little faith in the Govt to pay attention to the urgency of the crisis.
In terms of population, Australia is a relatively small democracy we should be able to contain this crisis if our Government’s; both State and Fed, articulated clearly and decisively what citizens need to do. This is a time to build trust, not destroy it.
Australia is not immune to a catastrophic outbreak; the WHO warned the Australian Government approx 12 weeks ago; WHY DO WE NOT HAVE ENOUGH TESTING/SCREENING?
Also; countries like Singapore have been able to flatten the curb because of the trust in Government decisions, reliable health messaging and discipline of their citizens. They are prepared with testing and were proactive in taking action.
Finally, I accept I am no expert on this topic but as an Australian Citizen and First Nations woman I am extremely concerned. I have to go to work Monday in the Sydney CBD. I do not trust this Governemnt to make proper decisions in our interest. #Lockdownaustralia
