It’s ok to question authority even in these weird COVID-19 times

In these crazy COVID times, it’s still ok to be critical of authority. And it’s not healthy to shout down any and all dissent, writes Michael McGuire.

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Let’s take a little step back people. Let’s walk it back from the edge of hysteria.

These may be difficult times but let’s not lose our minds. The reaction to an admittedly somewhat silly Facebook post from the Australian Education Union directed at the chief medical officer Nicola Spurrier has been extreme to say the least.

Yes, it’s an epidemic, yes, it’s nice that so many in the community want to pull together to see this through to the other side. But, let’s not turn ourselves into a one-party state where any and all dissent is quashed along the way.

No doubt Professor Spurrier is doing a fine job. South Australia is doing well. The numbers speak for themselves. Does that mean no one can raise any questions? Does that mean no one else can have any ideas?

UNDER ATTACK: South Australian Chief Public Health Officer Dr Nicola Spurrier was attacked by the SA branch of the Australian Education Union, which has since apologised. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

Premier Steven Marshall has likewise done a fine job in trying circumstances. Does it mean he’s free from all criticism or from people putting forward alternatives? Confidence in government doesn’t grow from unquestioning acceptance.

The AEU may have been clumsy but they are quite entitled to raise their concerns. Quite entitled to ask if Professor Spurrier has thought through each and every consequence of the advice she is giving on behalf of the government.

If I was a teacher I reckon I’d be a at least a bit worried, despite the assurances from the experts, about being crammed into a classroom with 30 other people, even if they are children. I reckon I’d wonder too when, after so much focus on the importance of social distancing, why it didn’t apply to me and my job.

Anyway, who else is on this pedestal that alleviates them from facing criticism? Prime Minister Scott Morrison? Health minister Greg Hunt? Federal chief medical officer Brendan Murphy?

At what level is criticism, constructive or not, allowed to kick in?

Let’s not all get overly Trumpian and start demanding everyone toe the party line and then dictate that if you don’t you are an enemy of the people.

This virus has already done so much damage to our society, let’s not chuck freedom of speech out the window as well.